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Long Bone Fracture And Ilizarov Techniques: A Nigerian Experience
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To highlight the problems encountered in the management of open fractures in our environment and suggests ways of improving results of management with Ilizarov techniques.
METHOD: A retrospective study of 41 patients treated for fractures of long bones in our hospital between January 2000 and December 2002 is presented. Patients with diaphyseal fractures considered for primary surgical management or fractures that failed to unite by other treatment methods were included in the study.
RESULTS: There were 31 males (75.6%) and 10 females (24.4%). Average age was 33.9 years. Fractures were predominantly open (80.5%), affecting mostly the tibia and fibula (68.3%) Road traffic accident accounted for 85.4% of fractures. 17 (41.5%) patients reported within the first week of trauma while 24 (58.5%) others presented between 2 weeks and 26 months with complications, effectively managed with Ilizarov apparatus and techniques. All fractures united, soft tissue infections controlled, osteomyelitis liquidated, missing bones replaced and limb lengths restored. Average time of treatment was 2.98 months (range 1.5-5.5 months).
CONCLUSION: We conclude that the Ilizarov technique is ideal for treating complex compound fractures in our environment. Early application of the Ilizarov apparatus salvages the severely injured limb, reduces mortality and morbidity. It is cost effective, adaptable to a variety of injuries and can be used in our rural hospitals without the image intensifier. We recommend it to every hospital that treats limb injuries in Nigeria.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(1) 2003: 26-32
METHOD: A retrospective study of 41 patients treated for fractures of long bones in our hospital between January 2000 and December 2002 is presented. Patients with diaphyseal fractures considered for primary surgical management or fractures that failed to unite by other treatment methods were included in the study.
RESULTS: There were 31 males (75.6%) and 10 females (24.4%). Average age was 33.9 years. Fractures were predominantly open (80.5%), affecting mostly the tibia and fibula (68.3%) Road traffic accident accounted for 85.4% of fractures. 17 (41.5%) patients reported within the first week of trauma while 24 (58.5%) others presented between 2 weeks and 26 months with complications, effectively managed with Ilizarov apparatus and techniques. All fractures united, soft tissue infections controlled, osteomyelitis liquidated, missing bones replaced and limb lengths restored. Average time of treatment was 2.98 months (range 1.5-5.5 months).
CONCLUSION: We conclude that the Ilizarov technique is ideal for treating complex compound fractures in our environment. Early application of the Ilizarov apparatus salvages the severely injured limb, reduces mortality and morbidity. It is cost effective, adaptable to a variety of injuries and can be used in our rural hospitals without the image intensifier. We recommend it to every hospital that treats limb injuries in Nigeria.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(1) 2003: 26-32
