Case Series of Comminuted Fractures of Proximal Tibia with Ligament Injuries Treated with Knee Spanning Ilizarov Fixation

Comminuted fractures of the tibial plateau with intra-articular extension and ligament injuries are caused by high-energy trauma.The associated high rate of soft tissue injuries leads to complications like joint stiffness, compartment syndrome, malunion, skin loss, osteomyelitis, knee contractures, and potential amputation.The knee-spanning Ilizarov external fixator minimizes these complications by allowing early mobilization and weight-bearing, reducing soft tissue injury and blood loss, and providing stable fixation.Assessment using the Knee Society Score pre-and post-operatively showed improvement.This prospective study includes 15 patients with comminuted tibial intra-articular fractures and associated ligament injuries, treated with knee-spanning Ilizarov fixation.Clinical and radiological assessments post-procedure indicated positive outcomes.Out of 15 patients, 80% achieved good clinical and radiological outcomes, including early mobilization, normal gait, and successful fracture healing.Complications included pin tract infections (2 patients), knee stiffness (1 patient), and secondary procedures such as arthrodesis and TKR due to arthritis.