Outcome of Ilizarov External Fixator in Open Comminuted Distal Femur Fracture a Prospective Study
Keywords:
Ilizarov External Fixator, Open Distal Femur Fracture, Comminuted Fracture, Fracture Union.Abstract
Objective: To assess radiological and functional results in patients with open comminuted distal femur fractures treated with an Ilizarov external fixator.
Methods: This is a prospective observational study carried out at DHQ Teaching Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan, Orthopedic Ward and Trauma Center from January 2024 to December 2025. There were 95 patients with open comminuted distal femur fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Patients were followed until union of the fracture and a functional state. All the data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean age was 39.8 ± 12.1 years, and 71.6% of patients were male. Fracture union was obtained in 91 (95.8%) patients; the mean time to union was 24.6 ± 5.3 weeks. 76.8% had excellent and good functional results. Pin tract infection (16.8%) was the most common complication. Fracture union was strongly correlated with Gustilo-Anderson grade (p=0.031), and functional outcome was strongly correlated with age (p<0.001) and AO/OTA fracture classification (p=0.002).
Conclusion: The Ilizarov external fixator is a safe and effective treatment option for open comminuted distal femur fractures, providing high union rates, satisfactory functional outcomes, and acceptable complication rates.
