External Locking Compression Plate for Open Fractures of Long Bones

Background soft tissue management in open fractures of the long bones is a definitive challenge for orthopaedic surgeons and at the same time bulky external fixators are very cumbersome for patients. Supracutaneous plating using a locking compression plate (LCP) as an external fixator in compound fractures is as effective and stable as conventional external fixators. Objective The purpose of our study is to describe results of using the locking compression plate (LCP) as an external fixator in the treatment compound fractures of long bones. Methods A total of thirty patients underwent supracutaneous plating of the long bones ( fourteen tibia, eight femur, seven humerus, one ulna) including forearm bones using a locking compression plate. Average age was 41 years. Regular screw tract dressings were done. Average period of follow-up was 14 months. Results The plate was in situ for an average of 20 weeks. There were no clinically significant screw site infections. In all 30 patients the plate was kept in place until there was complete consolidation both clinically and radiologically. At the latest follow-up (average 15 months), all patients were fully weight bearing with a fully healed fracture site. All patients were infection-free with well-healed wounds. Conclusion Most external frames for the lower leg are bulky and cumbersome, causing significant problems for the patient. To circumvent these issues, we have used an anatomically-contoured supracutaneous locking compression plate as external fixator in compound fractures of the long bones