Fracture fixation

Fracture fixation is the most commonly perform orthopedic surgeries. With evolution of newer surgical techniques and availability of latest design implants. The focus is gradually shifting to perform maximum surgeries with MIS. MIS or minimally invasive surgery has the advantage of smaller incisions, rapid healing and lesser patient morbidity. The healing time of fractures has been documented to be less with MIS.

Case of FRACTURE FIXATION

The presented case is of a 60 yrs. old lady who had a bad fall on a pleasure trip in snow area. She had very fragile skin, diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. She was a smoker and socially active lady. The shattering – comminution was another concern. Due to which the conventional method to fix the fracture was not an option.

MIS or minimally invasive surgery has the advantage of smaller incisions. Rapid healing and lesser patient morbidity. The healing time of fracture fixation is been document to less with MIS.

X-rays showed fracture of both bones of right leg with very bad shattering of the main weight bearing bone aka tibia. We have worried about her diabetes and smoking habit. Both of which could potentially create problems with wound healing. The shattering – comminution was another concern. Due to which the conventional method to fix the fracture was not an option.

We have worried about her diabetes and smoking habit. Both of which could potentially create problems with wound healing. Therefore MIS is choose. The inner and main plate is insert with only a 2cm incision. The alignment of bone and reduction of fracture is being monitor under C-ARM or image intensifier.

Post-operative x-rays showed acceptable reduction and wound healing did not create any problems. However due to comminution the leg was kept in a plaster for 6 weeks. Eventually all the fractures gets heal in anticipated time and the patient is allow weight bearing with good ankle function.