Maarten Sw Potgieter1, H Sean Pretorius2, Gian Du Preez2, Marilize Burger2, Nando Ferreira2. 1. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Electronic address: 18172520@sun.ac.za. 2. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Abstract
The use of hexapod circular external fixation in acute tibia fracture care is increasing as more general orthopaedic surgeons are gaining expertise with the use of this treatment modality. Limited data is currently available on the complications that may be encountered with this treatment strategy. AIM: To review the complications and outcomes of acute diaphyseal tibia fractures definitively treated with hexapod circular external fixation at a high volume orthopaedic trauma centre. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical and radiological data of adult patients with acute diaphyseal tibia fractures treated with hexapod external fixation between 2012 and 2015 at a single centre. RESULTS: A total of 102 diaphyseal fractures were definitively treated with hexapod circular external fixation. Union was achieved in 101 cases with an average time to union of 25.6 weeks. Complications included pin site infection (56%); wound complications (19.67%); osteitis (11.76%); malunion (15.69%) and knee and ankle joint contractures (31.32%). CONCLUSION: Hexapod circular external fixation as definitive treatment of for diaphyseal tibia fractures demonstrates an excellent union rate with acceptable time to union. Complications rates are comparable to that of all fine wire circular fixators. Malalignment in is however a concern, considering that this device enables the surgeon to achieve accurate alignment through gradual deformity correction aided by computer software.
The use of hexapod circular external fixation in acute tibia fracture care is increasing as more general orthopaedic surgeons are gaining expertise with the use of this treatment modality. Limited data is currently available on the complications that may be encountered with this treatment strategy. AIM: To review the complications and outcomes of acute diaphyseal tibia fractures definitively treated with hexapod circular external fixation at a high volume orthopaedic trauma centre. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical and radiological data of adult patients with acute diaphyseal tibia fractures treated with hexapod external fixation between 2012 and 2015 at a single centre. RESULTS: A total of 102 diaphyseal fractures were definitively treated with hexapod circular external fixation. Union was achieved in 101 cases with an average time to union of 25.6 weeks. Complications included pin site infection (56%); wound complications (19.67%); osteitis (11.76%); malunion (15.69%) and knee and ankle joint contractures (31.32%). CONCLUSION: Hexapod circular external fixation as definitive treatment of for diaphyseal tibia fractures demonstrates an excellent union rate with acceptable time to union. Complications rates are comparable to that of all fine wire circular fixators. Malalignment in is however a concern, considering that this device enables the surgeon to achieve accurate alignment through gradual deformity correction aided by computer software.