Functional Outcome of Ilizarov Technique in Managing Proximal Tibial Fracture in Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: Tibial plateau fractures involve injuries affecting the major weight-bearing joint and result in functional impairment which can be prevented by implying competent treatment techniques including dual column plating, assisted reduction, internal fixation with plating and Ilizarov circular fixator. The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of Ilizarov technique in treating closed tibial plateau fractures. Methodology: A Quasi experimental study was conducted in the Orthopedic department of Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from 30th July 2019 to 29th January 2020.  A total of 100 patients with tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker type III to VI, 20 to 60 years of age of either gender were included. In all patients, Ilizarov technique was performed. Data were entered in SPSS 22. Descriptive analysis was done for quantitative variables and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables. Chi square test was applied to determine association of variables with functional outcome. Results: Mean age of patients was 37.42 ± 8.94 years. Out of 100 patients, 70% were males and 30% were females, 76% patients managed with Ilizarov technique in treating closed tibial plateau fracture had excellent functional outcome, 15% good outcome, 5%  fair and 4% poor outcome. Functional outcome with respect to age, gender, BMI and DM showed statistically significant difference with p value 0.017, 0.016, 0.004 and 0.001 respectively. Conclusion: Functional outcome of Ilizarov technique in treating closed tibial plateau fracture is significantly better. Keywords: Ilizarov Technique, Orthopedic Fixation Devices, Tibial Fractures