Management of shotgun induced open fractures of the humerus with Ilizarov external fixator

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ilizarov external fixator used for the management of shotgun induced open humeral fractures with special emphasize on neurovascular sequelae. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed eleven shotgun induced open humeral fractures managed with emergent application of Ilizarov external fixator. No patient had associated neurovascular injury. All fractures were stabilized with Ilizarov external fixator immediately after meticulous debridement and irrigation under emergent conditions . RESULTS: With Ilizarov fixation technique complete bony union occurred in all patients within 14 to 44 weeks (average, 21 weeks) postoperatively.. One patient required a second intervention in order to adjust the external fixator rings. Two patients required a rotational fasciocutaneous flap so as to handle the soft tissue coverage problem. Superficial pin tract infection was present in eight patients, however in none of the patients deep tissue infection or osteomyelitis has been observed. Good to excellent results were achieved in 10 patients with Ilizarov fixation technique according to the rating system proposed by Smith and Cooney. CONCLUSION: Emergent Ilizarov external fixation is a safe method of obtaining a functional limb in the management of shotgun induced open humeral fractures with severe soft tissue damage.