Single center experience in treatment of tibial shaft fractures using Ilizarov technique

Introduction/Objective. Since tibial shaft is a common location of opened and closed tibial fractures, it is very important to determine the best method of treating these fractures. Our objective was to assess whether the Ilizarov technique is appropriate in terms of complications, outcomes, and pain reduction in treatment of patients with tibial shaft fracture. Methods. Retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients with tibial shaft fracture treated with the Ilizarov technique in the period from January 2013 to June 2017 at the Banjica Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia. Demographic and clinical data on patients were collected. Pain was assessed using visual analogue scale of pain. Two models of uni- and multi-variate linear regression analysis were performed. Results. The study showed that the overall rate of complications was low, and that hypertension, administration of antibiotics, and reoperation prolonged fixation. Also, severe fractures and longer procedure time delay mobilization. Significant reduction of pain was observed. Conclusion. The Ilizarov technique is a safe and reliable method in the treatment of patients with tibial shaft fractures and is followed by pain reduction, overall improvement of functioning, good outcomes, and is not commonly associated with complications.