Chinese journal of traumatology = Zhonghua chuang shang za zhi / Chinese Medical Association
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Chin. J. Traumatol. · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparative study of the results of compound tibial shaft fractures treated by Ilizarov ring fixators and limb reconstruction system fixators.
Ilizarov ring fixator and limb reconstruction system (LRS) fixators have been used in the management of complex tibial fractures with severe soft tissue injuries, compound tibial fractures, and infected tibial nonunion for which conventional internal fixation cannot be contemplated. Fracture union and distraction osteogenesis can be done simultaneously with these external fixators, allowing early weight bearing. Several previous studies have shown almost equal results of rail and ring fixators for the compound tibial shaft fractures. Thus we performed a prospective study to evaluate the union rate, functional outcome and amount of limb lengthening after the treatment of compound tibial shaft fractures with or without infected nonunion by ring or LRS fixators. ⋯ In our short-term assessment, LRS fixators show a better result than Ilizarov fixators in terms of fracture union and functional outcome with soft tissue care and limb length.