title: Open Trimalleolar Fractures Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Open trimalleolar fractures are some of the most severe fractures of the ankle joint region and some of the most difficult in trauma surgery. Repositioning with internal fixation is the most common surgical treatment method. There is little published data on primary repositioning and external fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with open trimalleolar were fitted with Ilizarov external fixators in single-stage procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Full weight bearing was possible following surgical treatment in all five patients. None of the patients developed malunion, infections or vein thrombosis. For all patients, the Ilizarov apparatus was remodelled after six weeks to allow movement in the ankle. Three patients developed posttraumatic arthrosis requiring joint fusion. Arthrodesis was performed in two patients, and another patient will require it in the future. None of the patients developed any inflammatory complications. The mean duration of treatment with an external fixator was 11.6 weeks (range: 9-15 weeks). Radiological and clinical outcomes were satisfactory in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Ilizarov method allows for early and definitive treatment of open trimalleolar fractures with a low risk of complications and a good clinical outcome.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu I Wydziału Lekarskiego, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska.
authors.forename: Radosław
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Górski
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu I Wydziału Lekarskiego, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska.
authors.forename: Sławomir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Żarek
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu I Wydziału Lekarskiego, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Modzelewski
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu I Wydziału Lekarskiego, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska.
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Małdyk
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu I Wydziału Lekarskiego, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska.
authors.forename: Rafał
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wiśniewski
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narządu Ruchu I Wydziału Lekarskiego, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska.
authors.forename: Ryszard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Górski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D064386:Ankle Fractures / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing