[Combination of the Ilizarov ring fixator with the unilateral AO tube fixator. Initial clinical experiences with the hybrid system].

Ring fixation of the tibia is difficult because of soft tissue transfixation and the size and weight of the external fixator. To increase the patients comfort K-wire and half-pin fixation are combined in a new hybrid configuration. The Ilizarov ring fixator with K-wire or Schanz screw fixation is combined with the unilateral AO fixator. This configuration has so far been used in 17 cases: in the proximal and intraarticular tibia in 7 cases, in the distal tibia in 8 cases and in the femur in 2 cases. As experience with the hybrid system widens indications accepted are metaphyseal and intraarticular fractures of the tibia with severe soft tissue damage, open fractures, segmental defects and fractures of the tibia that cannot be nailed. Loosening of the hybrid construction requiring an additional operative procedure has not occurred. The hybrid system is minimally invasive and allows early weight-bearing. It has the advantages of less transfixation of the soft tissue, an easy operative technique and more comfort with higher patient compliance, and the options for corrective procedures are the same as with the conventional Ilizarov technique. Our preliminary first experience with this system is encouraging; it is especially useful for problematic epi- and metaphyseal fractures with severe soft tissue damage.