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Is External Fixation Right Treatment Procedure For Tibia Fracture?
Question: I'm a very active person and was working a physical job until I had this accident 1 week ago. I fell and was struck below my knee (but not on it) on the lateral side. I plan to continue to be active and work the same job G-d willing. I spoke to a surgeon and he wants to do internal fixator. He wants to put some screws and a metal plate. I want to know if it is possible to do external fixator and which is better outcome for more mobility and less pain. Also, is it possible to not do a fixator at all and just do surgery to fix the fracture (glue? bone graft? ) and then just put a cast on it?
Here is a ct scan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFfZ7Ma_IqU
Also, I've attached some xray pictures. Please if you could answer quickly. Thank you so much and I wish you good health!
http://s16.postimg.org/6fg6y09qd/0000.jpg
http://s11.postimg.org/r29b5b7zn/0000.jpg
http://s2.postimg.org/8g7b1pb7t/0000.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/4wkr5ft67/ct1.png
http://s7.postimg.org/4y33miqaz/image.png
Here is a ct scan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFfZ7Ma_IqU
Also, I've attached some xray pictures. Please if you could answer quickly. Thank you so much and I wish you good health!
http://s16.postimg.org/6fg6y09qd/0000.jpg
http://s11.postimg.org/r29b5b7zn/0000.jpg
http://s2.postimg.org/8g7b1pb7t/0000.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/4wkr5ft67/ct1.png
http://s7.postimg.org/4y33miqaz/image.png
Brief Answer:
Internal fixation has better outcome for more mobility.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
I have gone through the images attached. It shows fracture lateral condyle of tibia involving the joint(fracture tibial plateau). Best treatment is accurate reduction of fracture and internal fixation with plate and screws.It has better outcome for more mobility. External fixator can be applied but it is not ideal in your case. Fracture can not be fixed only by bone graft, it need some screws or wire to hold it in place. It can be managed by plaster cast but chances of knee stiffness is very high.
I suggest you to follow the advice of your surgeon for better outcome.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Internal fixation has better outcome for more mobility.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
I have gone through the images attached. It shows fracture lateral condyle of tibia involving the joint(fracture tibial plateau). Best treatment is accurate reduction of fracture and internal fixation with plate and screws.It has better outcome for more mobility. External fixator can be applied but it is not ideal in your case. Fracture can not be fixed only by bone graft, it need some screws or wire to hold it in place. It can be managed by plaster cast but chances of knee stiffness is very high.
I suggest you to follow the advice of your surgeon for better outcome.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Dr. Saurabh Gupta
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2004
Answered : 5930 Questions
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