title: Principles of tibial fracture management with circular external fixation.
abstract: There is a growing mass of literature to suggest that circular external fixation for high-energy tibial fractures has advantages over traditional internal fixation, with potential improved rates of union, decreased incidence of posttraumatic osteomyelitis, and decreased soft tissue problems. To further advance our understanding of the role of circular external fixation in the management of these tibial fractures, randomized controlled trials should be implemented. In addition to complication rates and radiographic outcomes, validated functional outcome tools and cost analysis of this method should be compared with open reduction with internal fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 450 Broadway Street, MC 6342, Redwood City, Stanford, CA 94063, USA. Electronic address: lowenbd@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Lowenberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 450 Broadway Street, MC 6342, Redwood City, Stanford, CA 94063, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Githens
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Tacoma, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boone
mesh_terms: D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Circular external fixation; Fine wire fixation; Llizarov Method; Multiplanar external fixation; Tibial fracture