title: Evaluation of tibial condyle fractures treated with Ilizarov fixation, a prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tibial plateau fractures are associated with significant soft tissue injuries which increases the risks of complications and must be considered when managing tibial plateau fractures. Various modalities of treatment are available for treatment of these fractures but Ilizarov fixation has a special advantage over others. Review of literature shows many studies of Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures with variable results. Aim of our study was to evaluate tibial condyle fractures treated by Ilizarov fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study included 43 patients with Schatzker type II and above tibial plateau fractures treated by ilizarov fixation. Standard trauma evaluation, a meticulous musculoskeletal and neurologic examination was carried out. All patients underwent Ilizarov fixation by same team of surgeons. Clinicoradilogical assessment of the patients carried out at regular intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our study included 43 cases of tibial plateau of various types except type I. Mean time for radiological union was 24.51 wk (range 15 to 32 wk). Mean fixator period was 26.6 wk( 16-34 wk). The functional results were measured by Lyshom's and Hohl and Luck score. The mean Lyshom's score was at the end of one year was 82.16. At end of one year by Hohl and Luck grading 11 patients had fair, 23 had good and 9 had excellent results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High energy tibial plateau fractures can be definitively treated with Ilizarov external fixation. Treatment with this method gives good union rates and less risk of infection. Closed reduction, minimal soft tissue damage and early mobilization are the key to low complications.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, M S R Medical College , Bangalore, India .
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reddy R
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, M S R Medical College , Bangalore, India .
authors.forename: Yashavantha
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kumar C
authors.affiliation: Senoior Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Orthopaedics, M S R Medical College , Bangalore, India .
authors.forename: Harshad M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Junior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, M S R Medical College , Bangalore, India .
authors.forename: Dinesh Kumar
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Golla
authors.affiliation: Junior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, M S R Medical College , Bangalore, India .
authors.forename: Niranthara
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ganesh D J
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, M S R Medical College , Bangalore, India .
authors.forename: Ashok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar P
keywords: Condyle; Fractures; Ilizarov fixation; Tibia