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PubMed1992

[Stabilizing the pelvic ring with the external fixator. Biomechanical studies and clinical experiences].

Experimental studies were performed on anatomic pelvis specimens. In different series of experiments the positioning of the screws and the assembly of the external fixator were changed. We tried fixing the external fixator to the screws at varying distances from the body surface. For stabilisation of the fractured pelvic girdle a self-constructed "bow fixator", fixed to supra-acetabular screws with proximal compression and distal traction showed the best results. Homogeneous distribution of the pressure could be achieved on the unstable dorsal pelvic ring structures. In clinical routine we used the triangular external fixator, which in the experimental situation yielded results close to those of the bow fixator. External fixation of the pelvic girdle has been performed 128 times since 1977, in January 1991 a prospective study was started. For Tile type B injuries the external fixator itself represents an effective, minimally invasive system, but type C fractures often require an additional internal fixation of the dorsal lesion.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1999

Supplemental pinning improves the stability of external fixation in distal radius fractures during simulated finger and forearm motion.

External fixation is commonly used in the treatment of distal radius fractures. In this in vitro study, we investigated changes in fracture stability when using supplemental radial styloid pinning in combination with external fixation. Eight previously frozen cadaveric upper extremities were mounted in a computer-controlled wrist-loading apparatus. This device was used to generate finger and forearm motions through loading relevant tendons. An unstable extra-articular distal radius fracture was simulated by removing a dorsal wedge from the distal radius metaphysis. An electromagnetic tracking system measured fragment motion following randomized application of a Hoffman external fixator, a Hoffman external fixator with 2 supplemental radial styloid pins, and a dorsal 3.5-mm AO plate. Regardless of the fixation technique used in this unstable fracture model, fragment motion occurred when postoperative finger and forearm motions were simulated. The addition of radial styloid pins to a construct stabilized by an external fixator significantly improved fragment stability, approaching that achieved with the dorsal AO plate.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1987

External fixation of the upper extremity.

External fixation of forearm and arm fractures is an excellent treatment option, particularly in compound, comminuted fractures that result from high-energy trauma. Limb salvage and good function have been achieved in 75% of cases by applying the principles outlined. Problems with delayed bone union have been recognized and emphasize the importance of supplemental bone grafting. A number of external fixation systems are applicable to these upper limb fractures, and the authors have not found one system superior to the others. Open pin insertion is preferred, and pins (three proximal and three distal) are ideally placed near the fracture site for optimal stability.

Arm Injuries↗
PubMed2003

[External fixation for the fracture repair].

External fixation has made remarkable progress in the field of orthopaedic surgery in recent years. The concept of distraction histogenesis made it possible to treat for the difficult case without bone graft, such as shortening and deformities of the limbs, pseudarthrosis, bone loss and osteomyelitis etc. These advances have led to the cure of many unsolved fractures. It is likely that external fixators are constantly being improved and the method of fracture repair will progress in the future.

English Abstract↗
PubMed2006

External fixation of complex femoral shaft fractures.

Conversion of temporary external fixation to an intramedullary nail within the first 2 weeks after a femoral shaft fracture is standard practice. However, due to financial constraints, in large parts of the world external fixation of femoral shaft fractures is often the definitive treatment. Out of 60 fractures, 47 were followed-up for a minimum period of 39 weeks. The average follow-up time was 75 weeks. Fourteen fractures were closed, and 33 open. Forty-four fractures united at an average of 31 weeks. There were four non-unions, three of them infected. Secondary surgical procedures were performed for four non-unions and in eight cases of delayed union. One re-fracture occurred, which was successfully treated with repeat external fixation. Only six patients regained full range of motion. The average flexion was 72 degrees . Pin tract infections occurred in 26 patients, leading to loosening of four pins. Satisfactory results can be obtained with definitive external fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Pin tract infections, although a common occurrence, are not a major problem and can be treated by local wound care and antibiotic therapy. The most common problem is significant decrease in the range of motion of the knee.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

A report of the first 20 cases using a simple external fixator.

The results of treatment using a locally-designed external fixator in 20 patients are presented. Open fractures were the main indications for external fixation. Pin tract infection occurred in 8 patients. Only 2 patients had unstable fixation which required removal of the device. One third of patients developed malunion exceeding 15 degrees and two thirds had joint stiffness after conversion to plaster cast. This external fixator is adequate in the treatment of most open fractures of the tibia. However, improved techniques of pin insertion and cast application upon removal of the external fixator may help to reduce the incidence of pin tract infections and malunion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Limb salvage for osteosarcoma of the distal tibia with resection arthrodesis, autogenous fibular graft and Ilizarov external fixator.

We report the results of limb salvage for non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the distal tibia using resection arthrodesis, autogenous fibular graft and fixation by an Ilizarov external fixator. In six patients with primary osteosarcoma of the distal tibia who refused amputation, treatment with wide en bloc resection and tibiotalar arthrodesis was undertaken. The defect was reconstructed using non-vascularised free autogenous fibular strut graft in three patients and a vascularised pedicular fibular graft in three, all supplemented with iliac cancellous graft at the graft-host junction. An Ilizarov external fixator was used for stabilisation of the reconstruction. In five patients sound fusion occurred at a mean of 13.2 months (8 to 20) with no evidence of local recurrence or deep infection at final follow-up. The mean post-operative functional score was 70% (63% to 73%) according to the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system. All five patients showed graft hypertrophy. Union of the graft was faster in cases reconstructed by vascularised fibular grafts. One patient who had a poor response to pre-operative chemotherapy developed local tumour recurrence at one year post-operatively and required subsequent amputation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

The effect of rigidity on fracture healing in external fixation.

Knowledge of the basic biomechanics of external fixation is necessary to obtain the full benefits of the technique for bone fracture treatment. The rigidity of external fixation, including pin-bone interface stresses, is discussed and bone healing and remodeling under different fixation stiffnesses and fracture gap conditions are described. The rigidity of fixation ultimately depends on the biomechanical characteristics of the fracture, the accuracy of reduction, and the amount of physiologic loading. Comparative experiments using a canine tibial fracture model have suggested that fixation rigidity is important in early bone healing and in the prevention of pin loosening. Bone union can be achieved under external fixation through different pathways, ranging from callus-free gap healing under a rigid neutralization configuration to direct-contact healing with periosteal new bone formation under axially dynamized stable fixation. Cortical reconstruction by secondary osteons seems to be important for the ultimate strength of the bone union.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The treatment of open tibial fractures and of tibial non-union with a novel external fixator.

We report the results of external fixation in 29 patients treated for tibial fractures and tibial non-union using a novel multi axial external fixator (MAXX) followed prospectively until bony union. The results of treatment were classified according to the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI). Overall, 13 patients had excellent bone results; 13 had good bone results; two had fair bone results, and 1 patient had poor bone results. Regarding functional results, 21 patients had excellent results; 6 obtained good results; none had fair results, and two had poor results. Acute patients did better functionally than chronic patients. This fixator is safe and versatile, although the indications for its use are very specific.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Experimental external fixation combined with percutaneous discectomy in the management of scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: An assessment of the value of external fixation with or without percutaneous discectomy for the management of scoliosis in young rabbits with induced progressive thoracic scoliosis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate in an experimental setting the effect of external fixation with or without percutaneous discectomy for the management of scoliosis, as a preliminary study to precede clinical consideration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: External fixation of the spine using percutaneous transpedicular screws has been used clinically for cases of traumatic spinal injury, infectious spine, or chronic low back pain caused by a disc lesion. Percutaneous discectomy for the management of scoliosis has been reported. METHODS: Thirty-two young rabbits underwent partial resection of the right lower ribs. Nine rabbits were not treated after production of scoliosis and were followed as controls. At 4-6 weeks after production of scoliosis, in 23 animals, Kirschner wires were inserted percutaneously into the T9-T10 and L1-L2 disc space, and both ends were attached to an external fixator after correction of the scoliosis. In 8 of those 23 animals, percutaneous discectomy was also performed at the apex of the caudal compensatory curvature. RESULTS: In these 23 animals, the initial correction by fixation on of the caudal vertebrae was accompanied by a derotation in the apex. Five animals treated with external fixation only and four treated with combined percutaneous discectomy survived with external fixation until the age of 17 weeks and were followed to the natural cessation of the curve progression, at which the fixation was removed and a final assessment was made. The mean progression of curvature was 15.8 degrees in the group of five animals with external fixation only, and 33.8 degrees in the controls. In the group of four animals treated with supplementary percutaneous discectomy, however, the treated disc space became rigid, and the mean progression of curvature after removal of the fixation was only 5.3 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest the potential for external fixation to allow for derotation and, when combined with percutaneous discectomy, to offer a feasible method of managing scoliosis in the human adolescent. This study was a preliminary experimental study; further experimental studies are planned to develop this novel technique.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

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.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

External fixation in comminuted upper femoral fractures.

External fixation of comminuted upper femoral fractures has not been studied widely. The minority of such fractures which cannot be fixed internally due to clinical and anatomical problems are generally treated in traction. Early external fixators were not sufficiently robust to hold these fractures and pin site problems are more common in femoral fixation than in the tibia. A study was undertaken including all patients with comminuted upper femoral fractures who were too unwell or otherwise unsuitable for internal fixation. The long-term results were comparable, if not superior to traction, and patient comfort and mobilization were much improved.

External Fixators↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychosocial issues relating to external fixation of fractures.

The use of external fixation devices has become increasingly popular for the treatment of fractures and for limb reconstruction procedures. This article reviews the nursing literature that examines psychosocial issues in the context of treatment with external fixation. Nearly all the evidence cited is anecdotal. Personal experience should not be ignored, but this review exercise highlights the lack of research-based evidence to back up provision of care in what is a fundamentally important aspect of the patient experience.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1995

External fixation of open femoral shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether external fixation proves to be a sensible technique for definitive stabilization in open femoral fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1985 to 1989, 18 patients (mean ISS 25.4) with open femoral fractures (type II 11%, type III 89%) were treated by primary and definitive external fixation. After failure of closed reduction procedures, open reduction via debrided soft tissue wounds was employed in 72%. Supplemental internal fixation of large wedge fragments was required in 66%. External fixators were removed after a mean of 166 days. Early deep infections developed in 11%. Additional cast, brace, or traction were not required. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 58 months, 88% of the surviving 17 patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated and 12% were interviewed by telephone. Eleven percent developed late deep infection of the femur concerned. Eighty percent have had full or slightly restricted knee motion. The mean knee flexion amounted to 130 degrees. Relevant shortening of the femur was diagnosed in 7%. Nonunions or relevant malunions were not observed in our series. CONCLUSIONS: These morphologic and functional results compare with those published for alternative stabilization techniques of femoral fractures. For special indications, external fixation is considered to be a sensible technique for primary and definitive treatment of open femoral fractures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The anatomical base of unilateral external fixation in the upper limb.

Unilateral external fixation requires an anatomically sound implantation of screws into the upper extremity. Detailed knowledge about the anatomical situation in the areas of pin implantation is of great importance. This paper focuses on relevant anatomical landmarks when implanting screws for external fixation in the humerus, the elbow, the forearm and the hand by studying anatomical specimen.

Arm↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of the Howmedica and Synthes military external fixation frames.

To direct the U.S. military purchase of deployable external fixation gear, a project was designed to compare the biomechanical properties and ease of clinical application of military external fixators developed by Synthes and Howmedica. The project assessed (a) ease of application, (b) biomechanics, (c) heat stability, and (d) product line compatibility. Pretrained general surgery residents were provided with fresh cadaver limbs with simulated grade IIIB tibial fractures and 5-cm middiaphyseal defects. All chose the Howmedica Ultra-X for its ease of application but, on manual testing, noted that the Synthes Trauma-Fix was more stable. The frames were biomechanically tested in a previously validated model with strictly controlled parameters. The Howmedica Ultra-X demonstrated only 75% of the compressive stiffness, 29% of the anteroposterior bending stiffness, and 51% of the torsional stiffness of the Synthes Trauma-Fix. The Ultra-X failed to withstand steam sterilization and was significantly weaker than, and incompatible with, Howmedica's commercially available product. The Trauma-Fix demonstrated no statistically significant difference from Synthes' commercially available product. The Howmedica Ultra-X is unsuitable for military external fixation: The biomechanical properties are not equivalent to those of the unilateral Hoffmann frame, it is incompatible with commercially available Howmedica external fixators, and it fails to withstand heat sterilization.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1985

External fixators for wrist fractures: a biomechanical and clinical study.

The rigidity of four external fixators for the wrist was determined by using the Instron universal testing instrument. Using the equivalent stiffness index, the small A.O. was 7.6, the mini Hoffman was 3.7, Roger Anderson was 3.5, and Ace Colles' was 4.3. Thus, the small A.O. was about twice as rigid overall as the other three external fixators. Twenty-two patients with unstable distal radius fractures were treated with the mini Hoffman external fixator over a 3-year period; and follow-up data were obtained. The average final angle of the distal radial articular surface on the anteroposterior x-ray film was 17.5 degrees. The final angle of the distal radial articular surface on the lateral x-ray film was 2 degrees dorsal. The final height of the distal radial styloid averaged 8 mm. The final range of motion of the wrist compared with the opposite normal hand was extension 77%, flexion 77%, ulnar deviation 82%, radial deviation 73%, pronation 84%, supination 78%, and grip strength 72%. Complications included three cases of broken pins, one of a pin loosening with migration, one case of tendon rupture, and one of intrinsic contracture. From our experience, the Hoffman external fixator gave adequate clinical and functional results and can be used safely in the small to average size patient. A more rigid external fixator should be used for larger and more active patients. External fixation is an excellent way to treat unstable distal radial fractures.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[How much are external fixator nuts tightened in general practice].

External fixation is an approved system of treatment in orthopedic surgery. 21 different modalities of assembly--using the AO (ASIF) tubular system--were selected for a clinical trial in 3 major trauma hospitals. It is considered that all nuts of the applied external fixators were tightened properly. In experimental work it was found, that a torque of 8-11 Nm is sufficient and can be recommended. A suitable torque-wrench is available.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗