FOUR YEAR EXPERIENCE IN THE TREATMENT OF DISTAL TIBIA HIGH ENERGY FRACTURES WITH THE DYNASTAB-S EXTERNAL FIXATOR.

Background. Tibial pilon fractures lead to complicated therapeutic problem. Application in these cases of external fixators which are composed of an active articulated joint hinge imitating movement in the region of upper ankle joint, which allows plantar and dorsal flexion, leads to functional treatment of distal tibia fractures. Aim. The aim of the study was to present the four year experience with an evaluating biomechanical parameters, medical properties and clinical usefulness of the external fixator Dynastab-S in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures. Material. Observations were based on patients hospitalized in Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Department of Medical University of Warsaw in a period from March 2000 to August 2004. The average period of observations was 29 months. Inclusion criteria were based on the algorithm which was created in our department. Results. The assessment of biomechanical parameters of bone-fixator arrangement proved usefulness and safeness of the external fixator Dynastab-S. The positive results of clinical examinations, X-ray examinations and subjective opinion of the patients encourages to wide use of the external fixator Dynastab-S in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures.