title: Ilizarov external fixation in the treatment of comminuted leg fractures.
abstract: Fifty consecutive comminuted leg fractures were treated by Ilizarov external fixation. Eleven were closed fractures, 37 were Grade II, and 2 were Grade III open fractures. Forty-five fractures healed within 6 months. In 5 fractures the Ilizarov device was removed and healing occurred by intramedullary nailing (2 cases) and decortication (3 cases). The causes of failure were: rapid peroneal union or bone fragment necrosis. Subjective tolerance and fracture stability are limited by septic loosening of the wires requiring frame removal after 6 to 8 months. Excellent results may be obtained (no leg length discrepancy, no angulation, no rotation, no joint stiffness), but the time required for union is long and additional surgery is required.
authors.affiliation: Divisione di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Ospedale M. Bufalini, Cesena.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gagliardi
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gualtieri
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gualtieri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D007867:Leg Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged