A comparative study of tibial plafond fractures managed by hybrid external fixation versus final plate fixation

Background:Tibial plafond fractures are comminuted fractures of the distal tibia, which involve a traumatic axial load mechanism that leads to destruction of the joint surface. The present study compared tibial plafond fractures managed by hybrid external fixation versus final plate fixation.Materials & Methods: 40 patients of plafond fractures were divided into 2 groups. Group I were patients treated with hybrid external fixation and group II patients with open reduction and internal fixation. Results were compared between both groups.Results: The mean fixation time in group I was 5.2 days and in group II was 10.4 days, weight bearing time in group I was 10.2 days and in group II was 48.2 days, radiological union time was 112.4 days in group I and 156.2 days in group II. Superficial infection was seen in 4 in group I and 3 in group II and deep infection was seen in 1 in group I and 4 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Hybrid external fixation as a definitive procedure involve a faster union as compared to open reduction internal fixation