Case Report On Management Of Compound Tibial Fracture Type IIIB With External Fixator Followed By Nailing Procedure

Abstract

Open fractures of the tibia are one of the most common compound fractures seen in orthopedic practice. These result in severe soft tissue injury and at times associated with vascular injuries which pose a great challenge in management. Gustilo-Anderson’s classification is the most commonly used for open fractures of the tibia [type I,II, III (A,B and C)]. Our case includes a 30-year-old male presented with complaints of open injury to the right lower leg post a road traffic accident. Has pain, bleeding, and is unable to bear weight. A 15cm open lacerated wound was seen on the proximal part of the right lower limb. Multiple lacerations were seen on the right foot. It was diagnosed as a Case of Type IIIB compound fracture of the Tibia with periosteal stripping. This case was managed with a repeated debridement, uniplanar unifocal external fixator initially for the first 4 weeks followed by external fixator removal and converting it into tibial nailing. The patient achieved a good functional outcome in terms of full weight bearing and walking after the procedure.