Impact of Ilizarov Fixation Technique on the Limb Functionality and Self-esteem of Patients with Unilateral Tibial Fractures

Introduction Tibial fractures with nonunion are frequently managed with Ilizarov external fixation. Living with an external frame has some psychological impact which is readily neglected from the literature. We conducted a study to evaluate the status of limb functionality in patients managed with the Ilizarov external ring fixator technique and assess their self-esteem while living with the frame. Materials and methods This is a prospective observational study conducted in the Orthopedic Department of Dr. Ruth KM Phau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from June 2018 to June 2019. A total of 26 patients consecutively managed with Ilizarov external fixation for infected nonunion, with unilateral tibial fractures, were included. To assess the postoperative functionality status, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used. To assess and evaluate the impact of the external frame application on the self-esteem of these patients, Rosenberg's self-esteem (RSE) scale was used. For each patient, LEFS and RSE scales were administered at the time of hospital discharge, after six months of frame application, and at the time of removal of the frame. Results The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.11 ± 1.23 weeks. The mean LEFS scores increased by 47% from hospital discharge until the time of frame removal. The differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). There was a 12% decline in the mean score of self-esteem from the time of discharge till the time of removal of the Ilizarov frame and these differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion Ilizarov technique improves the limb functionality status significantly in participants with a unilateral tibial fracture. However, it also reduces their self-esteem during the period of frame application. Psychological support is recommended for participants living with an external fixation frame to protect their self-esteem.