Functional Outcome of Tibial Nonunion Treatment by Ilizarov Fixator

Objective: To evaluate the functional outcome of limb operated with the Ilizarov fixator according to Modified Functional Evaluation System by Karlstrom-Olerud. SETTING: Orthopedic Department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), G-8/3, Islamabad, Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive case series. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this two years study, 45 cases of post traumatic aseptic nonunion of tibia were included. Postoperative mean follow up was 280 days (180-330 days). RESULTS: Out of 45 patients, 41 (91.1%) were male and 4 (8.9%) were female. Our 15 patients (33.33 %), with Paley type A nonunion (Group 1) were treated by compression. While 30 cases (66.67 %), comprising of Paley type B-2 and B-3 requiring bone transport, were placed in Group 2. Bone union was achieved in 41 (91.11%) cases. Clinical results were good in 16 (35.56 %), satisfactory in 10 (22.20 %), moderate in 13 (28.89 %) and poor in 6 (13.33 %) patients. The most common recorded complication was pin tract infection. CONCLUSION: The Ilizarov method is a reliable tool for treating tibial nonunion towards successful functional outcome. Functional outcome is more important than perfect anatomy.