7. TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF OPEN TIBIAL SHAFT FRACTURES USING A DOMESTICALLY PRODUCED CLAMP-TYPE EXTERNAL FIXATOR

Cao Thi1, Pham Quang Vinh1, Cao Ba Huong1, Doan Truong Giang2, Le Dinh Hai3, Tran Binh Duong3
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city
2 Cu Chi Regional General Hospital
3 Cho Ray Hospital

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the treatment outcomes of a newly developed domestically produced clamp-type external fixator with an adjustable ball joint, compared to the Muller external fixator.


Method: The study included 74 patients (75 tibial shafts) with open tibial fractures classified as Gustilo-Anderson grade I to grade IIIB, of whom 36 patients were treated with the Muller fixator and 38 patients (39 tibial shafts) with the clamp-type external fixator. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, surgical details, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.


Results: Both groups had similar age and gender distributions, with traffic accidents being the most common cause of injury. There was no significant difference in the mean time from injury to hospital admission and surgery between the groups. The fracture pattern, fracture location, and open fracture classification were comparable, with grade IIIA fractures being the most common in the clamp-type fixator group and grade II fractures being the most common in the Muller fixator group. The clamp-type fixator group required less time for frame placement but had a longer surgical duration. The rates of secondary displacement and pin tract infection were similar between the groups, but fewer cases of frame removal due to infection were observed in the clamp-type fixator group. Although the time to bone union was similar, the clamp-type fixator group had a higher bone union rate.


Conclusions: The newly developed domestically produced clamp-type external fixator initially shows promise as a more effective treatment for open tibial fractures compared to the Muller fixator.

Article Details

References

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