Management of open diaphyseal fracture of tibia in adults: A comparative study between plaster of paris cast versus external fixator.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the management of open diaphyseal fracture of tibia with plaster of Paris (pop) cast vs external fixator in orthopedic ward PUMHSW Hospital Nawabshah. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Comparative study. Setting: Orthopedic Department, Peoples University of Medical And Health Science Shaheed Benazirabad. Period: 18 months from January 2017 to June 2018. Material & Methods: The data was analyzed in SPSS Version 22.0. Results: Out of 50 patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures, there were 34 males compared to females 16 (2.1:1) (68% vs 32%) with an average age of 41 years. Patients with external fixator applied yielded decreased rates of infection; shorter duration of hospital stay and early union compared to patients with plaster of Paris (pop) cast application. However, the difference reached statistical significant value. Conclusion: Open Tibial diaphyseal fractures should be managed with external fixation that yields better results. A plaster cast is the initial treatment of modality in patients with open tibial diaphyseal fractures.