Locking Plate as a Definitive External Fixator for Treating Open Tibial Shaft Fractures

Abstract：Objective To evaluate the outcome of using locking plate as a definitive external fixator for treating open tibi-al shaft fractures. Methods 14 consecutive open tibial shaft fractures(one were Gustilo and Anderson type I,7 were type Ⅱand 6 were type ⅢA)were included in the present study from January 2010 to January 2014. All the patients were treated with urgent surgical débridement and irrigation;then they were electively treated using locking plate as a definitive external fixator. Time to union,nonunion,malunion,leg shortening,range of motion and function for the knee and ankle,deep infection,pin tract infections were evaluated. Results The mean bone healing time was 37 weeks(range 20 ~ 52 weeks). Eventually,all of the fractures united. Most of the fractures healed in acceptable positions. No loosening or failure of the external fixator was seen. There were no cases of deep infection. Pin tract infection was seen in 2(14. 3% )patient. According to the functional assess-ment by the Johner-Wruhs system,the excellent to good rate was 92. 9% at the most recent follow-up. Conclusion The loc-king plate used as a definitive external fixator may be a useful adjunct for treating open tibial shaft fractures.