AO EXTERNAL FIXATOR

Objectives: To appraise effectiveness of AO external fixator, a treatment methodfor open diaphseal tibial fractures (type II, IIIA). Methods: Study Design: Cross sectional study.Setting: Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology (DOST) Liaquat University ofMedical & Health Sciences Jamshoro. Period: Two year from 2009 to 2011. Total 40 cases ofopen tibia fracture had selected all the cases with fresh open diaphyseal fractures of tibia andpatient arriving within one week injury. And Grade II, IIIA had included. All the cases associatedwith head injury or abdominal injury, diabetic mellitus and liver or kidney disease had excluded.Results: Total 40 cases of open diaphyseal fracture of tibia were selected in this study basedon inclusion criteria. The mean age was 33.1 + 10.27 years. Out of 40 cases, 36(90.0%) weremale. Majority of patients of RTA were injured due to motorcycle accidents 24(60.0%). Mean ofunion time was 18.1 + 3.72 weeks. Wound became infected in 5(12.5%) cases, 5.0%, n = 40)were seen with late union, screw sites infection found in 5.0% cases, Knee stiffness was foundin 10.0% cases, six 15.0% patients developed pain during walking. Conclusion: AO fixationis very safe, insignificant intrusive, get short surgical time, following by hospital duration, lowinfection rate and can be utilized as unequivocal and effective administration of open tibialfractures.