Tibial shaft fractures treated by the external fixation method

The external fixation of tibial shaft fractures with Mitkovic's external fixator is a simple and effective method for everyday orthopaedic-traumatology praxis. The fixation is unilateral with convergent pins orientation (4590 degrees), and there is also possibility for compression and distraction. Pins are placed without any guidance. The result of external fixation in 49 patients with tibial shaft fractures, 30 (61.22%) men and 19 (38.77%) women, average age 43.92 years old (16-84), are presented in this work. The open tibial shaft fractures was 14 (28.57%). All fractures are treated with Mitkovic external fixator type M 20. The results applied external fixation method are excellent and good. Union rate was 83.68%. Pin tract infection appeared in 4 (8.16%) patients. In only 3 cases the external fixator was removed and treatment continued with application the functional braces. Nonunion rate was in 6 (12.24%) patients, of which 4 with opened fractures (two Gustilo type IIIB, one Gustilo type IIIA, one Gustilo type II) and 2 with the segment fractures. Compartment syndrome was observed in 1 (2.04%) patient with closed fracture. Malunion rate was in 2 (4.08%) patients. External fixation of tibial shaft fractures is a simple and effective method that enables the safe healing of the fractures, early mobilization of patients, early weight-bearing, as well as early rehabilitation.