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Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effects of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on atrophic tibial nonunion treatment using Ilizarov external fixator., Methods: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups. A circular external fixator was applied to the right tibia of all the rabbits. A 5-mm bone block was resected and a tibial pseudarthrosis was obtained after a 6-month waiting period. The experimental group rabbits (n=10) underwent daily 2.5 ATA HBO therapy for 2 hours for 20 days and the control group rabbits (n=10) did not receive any corresponding treatment. Osteoblastic activity was evaluated with bone scintigraphy on days 30 and 90. Fracture healing was evaluated by plain radiographs on days 30 and 90., Results: On Day 30, radiological scores were statistically similar in both groups (p=0.167). However, on Day 90, the experimental group displayed significantly higher radiological scores (p<0.001). Osteoblastic activity was also higher in the experimental group on both scintigraphic assessments (p=0.005 and p=0.001)., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that HBO can be used as a supplementary therapy in the management of atrophic tibial nonunion.

Background: We evaluated the results of ankle arthrodesis performed with circular external fixators (CEF) in those patients who had developed tibiotalar arthritis secondary to a landmine or a gunshot injury., Materials and Methods: Nineteen ankles in 19 patients were fused using CEF. All patients had approximately 3 (range, 1 to 5) operations for bone and soft tissue reconstruction preceding the arthrodesis. Ankle arthrodesis was performed an average of 2.3 (range, 1 to 7) years after the initial trauma. The mean age at operation was 22 (range, 20 to 31) years old and all patients were male., Results: The average time spent in the CEF was 3.5 (range, 2 to 7) months. The mean followup was 59 (range, 31 to 90) months. Successful arthrodesis was achieved in all patients in an acceptable position. Clinically, 6 patients were assessed as excellent, 9 patients as good, 3 patients as fair, and 1 patient had a poor result. Twelve patients reported no pain postoperatively, 4 patients reported reduced to mild and/or occasional pain, 2 patients reported moderate pain, and 1 patient reported persistent pain. Sixteen patients described their outcome as satisfactory, one was somewhat satisfied, and two were dissatisfied. There were pin track infections in 10 patients and ring sequestration in one patient., Conclusion: Patients who have degenerative ankle arthritis due to gunshot wounds and land-mine injuries with poor bone quality and soft tissue conditions at the distal tibia can be successfully managed by using CEF.

Introduction: Spiral and oblique fractures of distal 1/3 of tibia-fibula are relatively common fractures of long bones. Due to their types, aetiology, limited coverage and blood supply, these fractures often lead to union and soft tissue problems., Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with spiral and oblique fractures of distal 1/3 of tibia-fibula were treated with circular external fixator (CEF) between January 1997 and August 2000. All the fractures were closed. The type of fractures based on AO classification were A1 (n = 8), A2 (n = 6), B1 (n = 11) and C1 (n = 2)., Results: The mean framing time was 14.1 +/- 1.8 weeks (range, 12 to 19 weeks), and the mean treatment time was 18.8 +/- 2.2 weeks (range, 15 to 24 weeks). The patients were followed up for 36 to 78 months (mean follow-up time: 51.9 +/- 10.4 months). The results were evaluated for shortness, angulation, rotation, ankle stiffness, pain and infection. After removal of the frames, 11 patients had ankle pain and stiffness, and 3 patients had loss of range of motion in the ankle even after rehabilitation. None of the patients suffered any complications such as shortness, angulation, rotational deformity and infection, and none had loss of motion in the knee., Conclusions: CEF might be a preferable alternative treatment for distal tibia-fibula fractures due to its easy application, fewer major complications such as shortness and angulation, early mobilisation and shorter treatment time.

Background: Comminuted fractures of the patella are traditionally treated by internal fixation. The modified tension-band technique is widely accepted for internal fixation. The management of comminuted fractures often requires additional K-wire and/or circlage material and wide surgical exposure. Therefore, symptoms and complications related to the stainless steel wire are not uncommon in these cases. We present a new alternative treatment technique for comminuted patellar fractures., Methods: Five comminuted patellar fractures of four patients were treated by circular external fixator (CEF) under arthroscopic control. The mean patient age was 32.5 (range 24-41) years and mean follow-up was 22 (range 20-28) months., Results: In four cases, union was completed by the sixth week; in the other case, union was completed by the eighth week. The frames were removed after union of the fracture was documented. When the CEF was removed, full knee range of motion was observed full in all patients, and the patients returned to their normal activities of living in a few days. The mean Lysholm score was 94 (range 85-100) after treatment., Conclusions: CEF application under arthroscopic control can help avoid some complications of the traditional treatment methods, particularly in comminuted fractures of the patella. The most important advantage of this technique is to allow active knee motion in the early postoperative period so patients can return to activity of daily living soon after the implant removal. In addition, arthroscopic examination of the knee joint provides an assessment of any other intra-articular lesions. This technique allows healing of the fracture with low morbidity.