Functional outcome and complications after treatment of comminuted tibial fractures or deformities using Ilizarov bone transport: a single-center study at 15- to 30-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate long-term outcomes and complications of a single-center and single-surgeon patient series of isolated and comminuted tibial fractures with bone defects or tibial deformities treated by Ilizarov bone transport. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from a consecutive series of patients with isolated comminuted tibial fractures (Fracture Group: FG) or deformities (Deformity Group: DG) treated between 1987 and 2002 were included. For clinical assessment, the Lower Extremities Functional Scale was used; complications were recorded according to the Dindo classification and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 72 patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 21.6 years (range 15–30) a mean LEFS of 36.4 (range 0–100). In the FG, the mean LEFS was 21.3 (range 0–98.75), and the external fixation time (EFT) lasted 7.6 months (range 3–18 months) months. In the DG, the mean LEFS was 76.7 (range 55–100), and the EFT was 10.6 months (range 3–20 months). Between the two groups, the clinical evaluation was significantly different, while the EFT was not (p = 0.14). In the FG, the worst results were obtained in the cases of open fractures with a higher percentage of complications and the need for further surgical procedures. The cumulative rate of complications was 55.6% during the first 36 months and 66.7% at the minimum follow-up of 180 months. CONCLUSIONS: Ilizarov bone transport, even at a long follow-up period, proved to be an effective technique for both definitive treatment of comminuted tibial fractures with bone defects or tibial deformities. Although our functional outcomes were lower in patients with exposed fractures, they were in line with the literature, but not influenced by the EFT when properly managed. Most complications occurred during the first 3 years; however, they could also arise much later, even until almost 30 years.