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PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the Ilizarov circular fixator (IL) and locked intramedullary nailing (IM).Patients and methodsPatients with isolated tibia shaft fractures were randomly allocated to either the IL (n = 31) or IM (n = 27) method. Conventional radiographs, postoperative pain assessment, self-appraisal scores and complications were evaluated. At the clinical 1-year follow-up, the patients were also evaluated by an independent observer.ResultsThe minority of patients had open fractures, two and nine patients in the IM and IL groups, respectively. Eight patients in the IM group and four in the IL group sustained major complications (p = 0.107). In the IM group, two patients developed compartment syndrome, one deep infection, one hardware failure, one delayed union, one pseudarthrosis and two had a malunion. In the IL group, two patients developed pseudarthrosis and two had a malunion. Superficial pin-site infections were observed in 16 patients in the IL group. The fractures had healed radiographically at 12 weeks in both groups. At the 1-year follow-up, there were differences in pain (VAS) and satisfaction (VAS) scores in favor of IL treatment (VAS, p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). There were no differences between the groups with regard to range of motion (ROM) in the knee and ankle joints. The registration of local tenderness and pain revealed that there were 19 patients with anterior knee pain in the IM group and one in the IL group at the 1-year follow-up (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe IL is a safe and reliable alternative to IM for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures, with a low complication rate and good clinical outcome. Both treatments were well tolerated, but at the 1-year follow-up the patients in the IM group had more pain and were less satisfied. Finally, there was a high frequency of anterior knee pain in the IM group.

Background In dislocated proximal tibial fractures, the most frequently used treatment is ORIF with screws and plates. Minimally-invasive techniques using external fixation are an alternative. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and radiological results using the Ilizarov technique in both uni- and bicondylar tibial fractures. Methods Thirty consecutive patients with isolated fractures of the proximal tibia were treated with the Ilizarov technique, 11 Schatzker I-IV with 2–3 rings and 19 Schatzker V-VI with 3–4 tibial rings and a femoral, hinged, two-ring extension. Unrestricted weight-bearing was allowed. Pre and post-operatively, conventional radiographs, computerized tomography scans, post-operative pain assessments and complications were evaluated. The knee function was evaluated with the EQ-5D, NHP and KOOS scores, as well as self-appraisal. Results All the fractures healed. Twenty-five patients achieved a range of motion better than 10-100º. The type I-IV fractures had a shorter operating time and hospital stay, as well as better knee flexion, and the self-appraisal indicated that they tolerated the treatment better. Pin infections occurred in 4% of the pin sites, but only two patients required debridement. Two patients developed compartment syndrome and underwent fasciotomy. No patient complained of functional knee instability. Two patients underwent a total knee arthroplasty because of residual pain. The overall result was judged as satisfactory in twenty-seven patients. Conclusions The Ilizarov method produces a good clinical outcome and is a valuable treatment alternative in proximal tibial fractures of all types.

Background The management of displaced distal tibial fractures is still controversial. The different internal fixation techniques are often burdened by relatively high complication rates. Minimally invasive techniques with ring fixators have been introduced as an alternative allowing immediate reduction and stabilization, avoiding a staged protocol. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiographic outcome the Ilizarov technique in patients with distal metaphyseal tibial fractures, with or without intra-articular involvement. Methods Thirty-nine consecutive patients with isolated fractures treated with the Ilizarov technique were followed prospectively for one year. Depending on the type of fracture, 4 or 5 rings were used, in some cases with additional foot extension. Unrestricted weight-bearing was allowed in all cases. Pre- and post-operatively conventional radiographs, post-operative pain assessment and complications were evaluated. The function was evaluated clinically and with self-appraisal protocols: EQ-5D, NHP and FAOS. Results No patient developed compartment syndrome or deep venous thrombosis. Pin infections were frequent, but they were mostly superficial and were treated with antibiotics and/or the removal of isolated pins. Two patients required debridement. One of them had a deep infection and developed a residual deformity which was corrected and healed after re-operation. Another patient had a severe residual deformity. The fixator was removed after a median period of 16 weeks (range 11–30). The radiological results were poor in 5 patients but the overall self-appraisal showed satisfactory results in 36 patients. Conclusions The Ilizarov method allowed early definitive treatment with a low complication rate and a good clinical outcome.

This paper describes a new approach to achieve selectivity in an immunoassay by separating the signals given by two cross-reactive compounds present simultaneously in a complex sample matrix. The method is based on the sequential dilution of the sample containing a mixture of the two analytes, spiking each diluted sample with a reference compound, and the detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The obtained multivariate response was used for the individual calibrations of the assay for each of the two cross-reactants simultaneously by using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) data modeling. The calibration models showed that the signal separation due the analytes 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was possible with a prediction concentration error of 1.4 microM and 72 microM, respectively.