Use of Limb Reconstruction External Fixator as a Definitive option in Management of Grade II and Grade III Compound Long Bone Fractures

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jcorth.2025.v10.i02.780

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Submitted Date: 18 Sep 2025, Review Date: 25 Oct 2025, Accepted Date: 13 Nov 2025 & Published Date: 10 Dec 2025

Author: Rajan Kumar Kaushal [1], O P Lakhwani [1], K G Sathyendra [1], Manish Kumar Yadav [1], Pushprajan Chauhan [2], S Venkatesh Kumar [3]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, ESI-PGIMSR, Hospital Basaidarapur, New Delhi, India,
[2] Department of Orthopaedics, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India,
[3] Department of Orthopaedics, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India

Address of Correspondence

Dr. K G Sathyendra,
Department of Orthopaedics, ESI-PGIMSR, Hospital Basaidarapur, New Delhi-110015, India.
E-mail: drsathyendrakg@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: We intend to determine the utility of the limb reconstruction external fixator as a definitive tool in managing grade II and grade III compound long bone fractures.
Materials and Methods: All patients with Grade II and Grade III complex long bone fractures were evaluated clinically and radiologically before inclusion in this prospective observational cohort study. A minimum of 20 cases were studied after clearance from the Ethics Committee.
Results: In our study, there is a variable wound healing time, with 20% of patients getting their wound healed within 4 weeks and 80% of patients getting their wound healed within 12 weeks. The mean wound healing time was 9.45 ± 5.78 weeks. 18 patients (90%) in the study showed signs of radiological union with a radiographic union scale in tibial fracture score of 2 or 3. Mean bone union time was 18.11 ± 5.24 weeks after injury. According to the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system, the bone results were excellent in 14 (70%) patients, good in 3 (15%) patients, fair in 1 (5%) patient, and poor in 2 (10%) patients. The functional results as per the ASAMI scoring system were excellent in 13 (65%) patients, good in 6 (30%) patients, and poor in 1 (5%) patient. In our study, 11 patients did not encounter any complications. The common complication was pin tract infections. Limb shortening was observed in 45% of patients. 85% of patients had insignificant limb shortening and did not require a shoe raise.
Conclusion: In our study, we achieved excellent to good results in our series by using the limb reconstruction system type of external fixator with fracture union in all the patients in our study. Limb reconstruction external fixators can be used as definitive tools in managing grade II and grade III compound long bone fractures.
Keywords: Limb reconstruction external fixator, grade II and grade III compound long bone fractures, wound healing time, association for the study and application of the methods of ilizarov scoring system, complication.

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How to Cite this Article: Kaushal RK, Lakhwani OP, Sathyendra KG, Yadav MK, Pushprajan, Kumar SV. Use of Limb Reconstruction External Fixator as a Definitive Option in Management of Grade II and Grade III Compound Long Bone Fractures. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics. July-December 2025;10(2):70-75.

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Author: Rajan Kumar Kaushal [1], O P Lakhwani [1], K G Sathyendra [1], Manish Kumar Yadav [1], Pushprajan Chauhan [2], S Venkatesh Kumar [3]

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