Objective: To investigate the management of tibial plafond fractures with a
half-ring external fixator using half pins.
Design: Prospective.
Setting: University teaching hospital.
Patients: Twenty-four patients with AO Type A or C tibial plafond fractures
.
Outcome Measures: Outcome was assessed by using standard criteria of time t
o union, incidence of infection and malunion, and incidence of pin-tract se
psis. Functional return was assessed by measuring hindfoot function. A scor
ing system, incorporating clinical and radiological results, was used to ra
te the results.
Results: When using closed or minimally open reduction techniques and inter
fragmentary screw fixation for the articular component of the fractures, th
e results of using a half-ring external fixator with half-pins were compara
ble with those of using small wire fixators. There was a 4.2 percent incide
nce of infection, and 75 percent of the patients had good or excellent resu
lts.
Conclusions: A half-ring external fixator using half-pins produces results
that are comparable to those obtained with small wire external fixation. Ho
wever, the technique is easier and safer.