Half-ring external fixation in the management of tibial plafond fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the management of tibial plafond fractures with a half-ring external fixator using half pins.

DESIGN

Prospective.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with AO Type A or C tibial plafond fractures.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome was assessed by using standard criteria of time to union, incidence of infection and malunion, and incidence of pin-tract sepsis. Functional return was assessed by measuring hindfoot function. A scoring system, incorporating clinical and radiological results, was used to rate the results.

RESULTS

When using closed or minimally open reduction techniques and interfragmentary screw fixation for the articular component of the fractures, the results of using a half-ring external fixator with half-pins were comparable with those of using small wire fixators. There was a 4.2 percent incidence of infection, and 75 percent of the patients had good or excellent results.

CONCLUSIONS

A half-ring external fixator using half-pins produces results that are comparable to those obtained with small wire external fixation. However, the technique is easier and safer.