Distal tibial fractures treated with hybrid external fixation

Management of distal tibia fractures remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether hybrid external fixation, as definite treatment, was associated with satisfactory results and low rate of complications. Between November 1999 and October 2006, 48 patients (33 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 45.6 years and a median ISS of 14.3 were admitted to our department with a distal tibia fracture and treated with the use of a hybrid external fixator. Eight patients had an open fracture. Mean follow-up was 14 months (range, 9–36 months). In 40 patients, radiographic evidence of union was observed at 3.6 months (range, 3–6 months). Delayed union was observed in three patients. There were five non-unions (10.4%) with three of them were septic. When compared to previously reported series, with conventional open reduction and internal fixation, the use of hybrid external fixation with or without open reduction and internal fixation of the fibula, was associated with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and limited complications.