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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

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01-12-2018 | Original Article • LOWER LIMB - FRACTURES

Functional outcomes of the failed plate fixation in distal tibial fractures salvaged by hexapod external fixator

Authors: Maketo Molepo, Annette-Christi Barnard, Franz Birkholtz, Kevin Tetsworth, Vaida Glatt, Erik Hohmann

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 8/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of failed plate fixation in distal tibia fractures salvaged with hexapod circular fixators.

Materials and methods

The database of a specialized limb reconstruction center was searched for all patients with failed plate fixation undergoing limb reconstruction with a circular external fixator between 2008 and 2017. Patients between the ages of 18–65 years, with a symptomatic distal tibia malunion or non-union following plate and screw fixation were included. The SF-12 and Foot Function Index (FFI) scoring systems were used to measure clinical and functional outcomes.

Results

Ten patients with a mean age of 38 ± 13 years met the inclusion criteria. Seven patients had an infected non-union, two hypertrophic non-unions, and one a malunion. The mean follow-up was 41.7 ± 28.3 months. The mean duration of external fixation was 232.9 ± 146.6 days. The SF-12 demonstrated a mean score of 49.4 ± 7.7 for the physical component and a mean score of 55.3 ± 8.1 for the mental component. Five patients (50%) scored above 45 points for the SF12 physical component, and nine patients (90%) scored above 45 points for the mental component, indicating good outcome can be achieved. The mean FFI score was 24.9 ± 19.9, and six patients had a score below 14 points (good outcome). Radiological union was observed in all 10 patients at a mean of 29 ± 14 months.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that hexapod circular external fixation is an attractive surgical alternative for the treatment of failed plate fixation of distal tibial fractures, and can reliably achieve bony union and result in very satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level IV case series.

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Title: Functional outcomes of the failed plate fixation in distal tibial fractures salvaged by hexapod external fixator
Authors: Maketo Molepo
Annette-Christi Barnard
Franz Birkholtz
Kevin Tetsworth
Vaida Glatt
Erik Hohmann
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2231-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Functional outcomes of the failed plate fixation in distal tibial fractures salvaged by hexapod external fixator

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

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