A prospective observational study of 56 patients treated with ring fixator after a complex tibial fracture

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the patient-reported outcomes for patients with complex tibial fractures treated with a ring fixator. The secondary aim was to analyse the variables affecting patient-reported outcomes and time to union. Fifty-six patients participated in the study. The mean age at the time of fracture was 56.5 years (range 30–86). All fractures united during the study period. The ring fixator was removed at an average of 25.3 weeks (range 9–53). During treatment, the function and QOL increased with time. Compared with an established reference population, the study population showed a significantly worse EQ5D-5L index both throughout the treatment period and 8 weeks after frame removal. 18% of patients reported mild to severe depression 8 weeks after frame removal. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11751-017-0275-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.