TY - JOUR T1 - Ilizarov Ring Fixation for Pediatric Distal Tibial Shaft Fractures Involving the Physis: A Retrospective Institutional Experience AU - Kumar, S. AU - Rohin, G. AU - Mathew, K.C. AU - Raj, G. AU - Annamalai, T.T. AU - Mohamed, Zakir JO - Research Journal of Medical Sciences VL - 18 IS - 11 SP - 621 EP - 624 PY - 2024 DA - 2001/08/19 SN - 1815-9346 DO - makrjms.2024.11.621.624 UR - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=makrjms.2024.11.621.624 KW - Ilizarov fixation KW - pediatric tibial fracture KW - distal physis KW - external fixator KW - growth plate injury KW - circular frame KW - paley criteria KW - fracture healing in children AB -

Management of complex pediatric tibial shaft fractures with distal physeal involvement presents a significant challenge due to concerns of growth disturbance, joint incongruity and deformity. Conventional internal fixation may not adequately address the need for axial stability and guided bone healing in such cases. To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the Ilizarov method in managing complex tibial fractures involving the distal physis in children. This retrospective case series included eight pediatric patients (six boys, two girls) with distal tibial fractures involving the growth plate, treated between March 2013 and November 2014 using Ilizarov circular external fixation. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture type, duration of frame application, complications and final outcomes were recorded. Clinical results were assessed using Paley’s criteria. The mean age at surgery was 11.5 years (range: 9‐14 years). The average duration of Ilizarov frame application was 12 weeks. All fractures united without residual angular deformity. One patient developed superficial pin tract infection and another experienced minor axial deviation, both managed successfully. Functional outcome was excellent in five cases and good in three, based on Paley’s criteria. The Ilizarov method is a reliable option for treating complex pediatric distal tibial fractures involving the physis, offering stable fixation, early mobilization and satisfactory alignment without compromising growth potential. It is especially useful in cases where internal fixation is either difficult or contraindicated.

ER -