Skeletal Traction Followed by Plaster of Paris vs Open Reduction and Internal Fixation – Comparison of the Functional and Radiological Outcome of the Two Treatment Modalities in Schatzker Type V and VI Tibial Fractures

Objective: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of Schatzker type V and VI tibialfractures for the two currently employed treatment modalities.Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Orthopedics department. Patientswere admitted through ER and OPD of Mayo hospital Lahore over a period of 1 year. Total 84 patientswere included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in Group A weremanaged with skeletal traction for 2 weeks followed by plaster of Paris back splint applied for next 2weeks followed by plaster of Paris casting for stabilization of the fracture for another next 4 weeks.Patients in Group B were managed with ORIF by wires, screws or plates. Functional andRadiographic evaluations were performed to assess pain, range of motion weight bearing andfracture union in each follow-up visitResults: In this study functional outcome of patients was significantly better and higher in patientswho were treated with ORIF techniqueConclusion: ORIF is more effective for treating Schatzker type V and VI tibial fracture in terms offunctional and radiological outcome as that skeletal traction followed by plaster of Paris casting.Keywords: Skeletal Traction; ORIF; Schatzker type V; Schatzker type VI; Tibial Fractur