Our unit has extensive experience with the use of Ilizarov circular frames for acute fracture and nonunion surgery. We have observed and analysed fracture healing patterns which question the role of relative stability in fracture healing and we offer limb mechanical axis restoration as a more important determinant. To assess for the presence of external callus, when only relative stability has been achieved but with anatomical restoration of the mechanical axis (ARMA).Introduction
Aim
The circular Ilizarov frame is a well-established method of external fixation used in the acute treatment of fractures. In our unit, based on our experience, we have changed practice from an all-wire construct to a hybrid, incorporating one 5mm titanium half-pin in the distal reference construct. We were able to compare the all-wire construct against this hybrid in terms of time to union and complications. All patients who underwent circular frame fixation between 2009 and 2016 for Schatzker IV-VI tibial plateau fractures at one district general hospital were included in the study. The date of union was noted and time to union was calculated.Background
Methods
