Background: Tibia is most frequently fractured long bone. Ilizarov technique involves a ring fixator based on principle of distraction osteogenesis that permits axial micro mobility at the fracture site to encourage bone regrowth. It is ideal for management of open tibial fractures. Objectives: To analyse the functional outcome of definitive management of open tibial fractures with Ilizarov ring fixator and evaluate the complications associated with its use. Methods: The study was conducted at Department of Orthopaedics, NIMS Hospital Jaipur and included 32 patients of open tibial fractures treated with Illizarov ring fixator. The post operative complications, functional outcome and bone healing were assessed. Results: Average age of patients was 41.34 years with a male to female ratio of 2.2 : 1. Commonest fracture grade was Grade IIIA (n=19, 59.3%). The commonest post operative complication was Pin tract infection (n=18, 56.2%). Our study reported 100 % union rate. Average time for union was 28 weeks. Functional outcome was excellent in 16 cases (50%), Good in 11 cases (34.3%) and fair in 5 cases(15.6%). Bone healing was excellent in 14 cases (43.7%), good in 13 cases (40.6%), fair in 4 cases (12.5%) and poor in one case (3.1%). Conclusion: Even though the complications are encountered, they can be easily managed with the external fixator in place resulting in healing and union of the fracture. Illizarov’s external fixator is valuable management choice for patients with open tibial fractures.

Background: Tibia is most frequently fractured long bone. Ilizarov technique involves a ring fixator based on principle of distraction osteogenesis that permits axial micro mobility at the fracture site to encourage bone regrowth. It is ideal for management of open tibial fractures. Objectives: To analyse the functional outcome of definitive management of open tibial fractures with Ilizarov ring fixator and evaluate the complications associated with its use. Methods: The study was conducted at Department of Orthopaedics, NIMS Hospital Jaipur and included 32 patients of open tibial fractures treated with Illizarov ring fixator. The post operative complications, functional outcome and bone healing were assessed. Results: Average age of patients was 41.34 years with a male to female ratio of 2.2 : 1. Commonest fracture grade was Grade IIIA (n=19, 59.3%). The commonest post operative complication was Pin tract infection (n=18, 56.2%). Our study reported 100 % union rate. Average time for union was 28 weeks. Functional outcome was excellent in 16 cases (50%), Good in 11 cases (34.3%) and fair in 5 cases(15.6%). Bone healing was excellent in 14 cases (43.7%), good in 13 cases (40.6%), fair in 4 cases (12.5%) and poor in one case (3.1%). Conclusion: Even though the complications are encountered, they can be easily managed with the external fixator in place resulting in healing and union of the fracture. Illizarov’s external fixator is valuable management choice for patients with open tibial fractures.