Effectiveness of NA External Fixator with T-clamp in treating Open proximal and Distal Fractures of Tibia

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of the open proximal and distal fractures of tibia treated by Nasser Awais External Fixator with T-clamp. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of orthopaedics Nishtar hospital, Multan in one year duration from July 2016 to July 2017. Study was started after ethical approval from hospital ethical board. Collected data of all patients was entered in SPSS software version 23 and analyzed. Mean and SD was calculated for quantitative data like age, frequency and percentages were calculated for qualitative data gender. Chi square was applied to see association of outcome variables with other variables and confounder. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Overall, there were 100% (n=180) patients; 50% (n=90) in each of the two groups. Clinical results were excellent in 88.9% (n=80) patients, good in 7.8% (n=7) patients and fair in 3.3% (n=3) patients in group A. While, in group B, the clinical results were excellent in 83.3% (n=75) patients, good in 10% (n=9) patients and fair in 6.7% (n=6) patients. No association was found between clinical results and the groups (χ²= 1.411 DF = 2, P value=0.494). Conclusion: Nasser Awais External Fixator with T-Clamp is a safe and effective technique that enhances the union rate with a low complication rate with less union time in distal tibial fracture compared to proximal fracture.

Keywords: NAEF, Tibia, Open proximal, T Clamp, External Fixator.