Chinese journal of traumatology = Zhonghua chuang shang za zhi / Chinese Medical Association
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Chin. J. Traumatol. · Oct 2016
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyExternal fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation for tibial pilon fractures: A meta-analysis based on observational studies.
Tibial pilon fractures remain challenging for an orthopaedic surgeon to repair. External fixation (ExFix) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are two widely used methods for repairing tibial pilon fractures. However, conclusions of comparative studies regarding which method is superior are controversial. Our aim is to compare ORIF and ExFix and clarify which method is better in terms of reduction and union results and major complications. ⋯ We suggest that ORIF has a relatively lower incidence rate of superficial infection, malunion and nonunion, but a higher rate of unplanned hardware removal. No difference was found in deep infection, reduction, clinical evaluation, post-traumatic arthrosis and union time.