Evaluation of the Results of Ilizarov Ring Fixation in Schatzker Type VI Tibial Plateau Fracture.

High-energy tibial plateau fractures associated with severe soft tissue injury are difficult to manage. The risk of wound complications following open reduction and internal fixation is notably high owing to extensive soft tissue dissection. Alternatively, application of Ilizarov ring fixator minimizes soft tissue dissection and provides adequate fracture stabilization to allow early range of motion and correction of any mal-alignment. With this technique, soft tissue complications particularly surgical site infections are expected to be significantly reduced. This prospective interventional study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2013 at National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ten patients with tibial plateau fracture Schatzker type VI were treated with Ilizarov ring fixator. Patients were visited routinely and final outcome evaluation done according to Rasmussen's functional grading system and radiological evaluation. Among the 10 patients of type-VI Schatzker tibial plateau fractures, the mean range of knee movement was 95.5°. The mean Rasmussen functional score was 23.6 (range, 16-28): excellent in 3 patients, good in 5 and fair in 2.