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At least 577 records · Page 32Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Minimal internal and external fixation in oblique lower extremity fractures: a report of five cases and description of technique.

Interfragmentary lag screw internal fixation was combined with external fixation to treat five difficult oblique lower extremity fractures. Uncomplicated primary bone healing was achieved in all five cases in spite of crush injury, devascularization, or local infection. This method represents a treatment option for the difficult oblique fracture and reconfirms the role of fixation in fracture biology.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Treatment of unstable fractures of the wrist using Hoffmann's external fixator. Study of a series of 40 cases].

Forty cases of unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius were treated by distraction and fixation using a Hoffmann external fixator. Most of the fractures were both epiphyseal and metaphyseal. They were followed up for between 6 months and 4 years. The anatomical and functional results were generally good; the range of movement of the wrist and its strength were satisfactory. However 4 instances of secondary collapse of the bone could probably have been avoided by a cancellous bone graft. Two severe algodystrophies were observed.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Mechanical and technical aspects of an external fixator made of rings and Kirschner wires (using the Wittmoser and Ilizarov methods). Alternatives to plate osteosynthesis].

R. Wittmoser's closed method of compression osteosynthesis for treatment of diaphyseal fractures consisting of rings and transosseal wires described in the forties, which was perfected to a technique of plastic bone surgery by G. Ilisarov in the Sowjetunion is contrasted to the open technique of compression osteosynthesis with plates and screws (AO) favoured in the west. The advantages are described such as mechanical stability of the rings - in contradistinction to frame fixators - the use of external fixation system for ambulant patients as well as the possibility of temporary and local withdrawal and reimplantation of wires in contrast to the irreversible measures concomitant to the osteosynthesis by plates.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

Results of palmar plating of the lunate facet combined with external fixation for the treatment of high-energy compression fractures of the distal radius.

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the outcome of the treatment of patients who sustained high-energy, compression-type injuries of the distal radius. DESIGN: The retrospective study evaluated the outcome of reduction and plating of the lunate facet in conjunction with standard external fixation. SETTING: A Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria for study participation included: 1) age between 18 and 65 years of age with no evidence of concomitant metabolic bone disease; and 2) a 3- or 4-part compression type fracture of the distal radius with residual displacement of the palmar lunate facet despite reduction of the dorsal cortex by the application of an external fixator. INTERVENTION: Fractures were treated with palmar plating of the depressed lunate facet combined with dorsal external fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Posttreatment evaluations consisted of measurements of range of motion, grip strength, radiographic evaluations, and completion of Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. RESULTS: Three months after surgery, 20 of 21 patients exhibited full range of motion at the MCP/PIP joints. At the 2-year follow-up, an average palmar tilt of +1.0 degrees, radial inclination of 24 degrees, radial length of 12 mm, ulnar variance of 0.5 mm, intra-articular gap of 0.1 mm, and intra-articular step-off of 0.3 mm was documented. Using the Garland and Werley rating system, results were rated as excellent or good for 18 wrists, fair for 2 wrists, and poor for 1 wrist. Mean Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand functional scores and athletic scores improved at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction and plating of the lunate facet in conjunction with standard external fixation permits: 1) visualization and reduction of the palmar lunate facet; and 2) reduction of palmar tilt to neutral tilt without significant radial shortening. This technique should be considered as an acceptable option in the treatment of high-energy fractures of the distal radius.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Distraction external fixation in lateral compression pelvic fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the results and describe the technique of closed reduction and placement of a two-pin supra-acetabular external fixator, followed by immediate weight bearing, in the treatment of displaced vertically stable lateral compression pelvic fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive SETTING: Regional trauma center PATIENTS: A consecutive series of fourteen patients with displaced, vertically stable lateral compression pelvic fractures who were transported to a regional trauma center. INTERVENTION: Surgical treatment with closed reduction and maintenance of the distraction force with a two-pin, single-bar, supra-acetabular external fixator, followed by immediate weight bearing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Healing rate and time, operative blood loss and time, quality of reduction, time to full weight-bearing, and incidence of complications, including neurovascular deficits, loss of reduction, nonunion, pin tract infections, and chronic pain. RESULTS: A symmetric reduction of both hemipelves was achieved in all fourteen patients. Time to healing averaged 8.2 weeks (seven to twelve weeks), and no fixator required removal before healing. There were no delayed unions or nonunions, and none of the fractures displaced significantly after initial reduction. Average surgical time was thirty-seven minutes (range, twenty-five to sixty minutes) with an estimated blood loss of less than fifty milliliters. Patients were allowed to bear full weight immediately and were able to do so without ambulatory assistive devices within an average of twelve days (range, three to eighteen days). Complications consisted of three minor pin tract infections, one temporary lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, one late pin tract abscess, and one patient with chronic low-back pain. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of type B lateral compression injuries of the pelvic ring with anterior distraction external fixation is a highly effective yet relatively simple and minimally invasive treatment method. Surgical time and blood loss are minimal, and patients can be effectively and rapidly mobilized. Based on our experience, we believe this method to be a valuable tool in the treatment of these fractures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Distraction external fixation in lateral compression pelvic fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the results and describe the technique of closed reduction and placement of a two-pin supra-acetabular external fixator, followed by immediate weight bearing, in the treatment of displaced vertically stable lateral compression pelvic fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive. SETTING: Regional trauma center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of fourteen patients with displaced, vertically stable lateral compression pelvic fractures who were transported to a regional trauma center. INTERVENTION: Surgical treatment with closed reduction and maintenance of the distraction force with a two-pin, single-bar, supra-acetabular external fixator, followed by immediate weight bearing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Healing rate and time, operative blood loss and time, quality of reduction, time to full weight-bearing, and incidence of complications, including neurovascular deficits, loss of reduction, nonunion, pin tract infections, and chronic pain. RESULTS: A symmetric reduction of both hemipelves was achieved in all fourteen patients. Time to healing averaged 8.2 weeks (seven to twelve weeks), and no fixator required removal before healing. There were no delayed unions or nonunions, and none of the fractures displaced significantly after initial reduction. Average surgical time was thirty-seven minutes (range, twenty-five to sixty minutes) with an estimated blood loss of less than fifty milliliters. Patients were allowed to bear full weight immediately and were able to do so without ambulatory assistive devices within an average of twelve days (range, three to eighteen days). Complications consisted of three minor pin tract infections, one temporary lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, one late pin tract abscess, and one patient with chronic low-back pain. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of type B lateral compression injuries of the pelvic ring with anterior distraction external fixation is a highly effective yet relatively simple and minimally invasive treatment method. Surgical time and blood loss are minimal, and patients can be effectively and rapidly mobilized. Based on our experience, we believe this method to be a valuable tool in the treatment of these fractures.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1994

[External fixation in reconstructive hand surgery].

Over the last two decades, a new type of treatment has been established in reconstructive surgery of the hand. By means of an external fixator used as a distraction device, thumb and fingers are reconstructed. Used as a compression device, the external fixator accelerates the treatment of pseudarthroses, posttraumatic deformities, chronic osteomyelitis and healing following arthrodesis in the hand. There is no universal external device for the hand. Each part of the hand needs a specific fixator. Two basic questions require further studies: Improvement of the external fixators. Acceleration of the callus formation in the distraction method.

External Fixators↗
PubMed2005

The effect of transfixion wire crossing angle on the stiffness of fine wire external fixation: a biomechanical study.

To analyse the effect of transfixion wire-crossing angle on the stiffness of fine wire external fixation, a laboratory investigation using a fibreglass tibia fixed into an idealised fixator was performed with a servohydraulic test frame. Load-deformation behaviour was compared at the different wire-crossing angles (30 degrees -90 degrees ) under identical conditions of central axial compression, medial compression-bending, posterior compression-bending, posteromedial compression-bending, and torsion. Stiffness values were calculated from the load-deformation and torque-angle curves. The increase in wire-crossing angle led to an overall increase in the stiffness, except medial bending stiffness. The wire-crossing angle of 90 degrees provided significantly greater stiffness than all other angles in all load configurations (p<0.05) except medial bending. In medial bending, the wire-crossing angle of 30 degrees provided significantly greater stiffness than all the other angles (p<0.05). Increasing wire-crossing angle from 30 degrees to 90 degrees contributed to an overall increase of 75% in external fixation stiffness, which included axial, torsional, and bending stiffness, but bending stiffness was a function of the wire positioning with respect to the loading axis. Therefore, using the widest possible wire-crossing angle and placing wires as close to the loading plane as possible can increase the stiffness of external fixation.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1988

Ankle motion after external fixation of tibial fractures.

Loss of ankle movement is a complication of severe tibial fractures. This can be exacerbated if the foot is allowed to drop into equinus, particularly when an external fixator is employed. The range of ankle motion following external fixation of tibial fractures as compared to the opposite normal ankle was studied in 40 of 55 patients treated over a ten-year period. Nine were excluded due to other causes of ankle stiffness, leaving 31 cases for analysis. The mean follow up was 2 years 7 months (range 1 year to 8 years 3 months), and union had occurred by a mean of 35 weeks (range 9-100 weeks). The mean loss of ankle movement was 8 degrees of plantar-flexion and 12 degrees of dorsiflexion (overall loss 20 degrees), the difference between the two being highly significant (P greater than 0.001, t test). Loss of ankle motion closely paralleled the degree of soft tissue trauma, being 6 degrees for closed fractures and 22 degrees for open fractures (0.05 greater than P greater than 0.02). Ankle function is therefore at risk when a severe tibial fracture is treated by external fixation, and appropriate measures should be taken to preserve movement and prevent an equinus contracture.

Ankle Joint↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Inverted arcuate osteotomy and external fixation for adolescent tibia vara.

The purpose of our review is to describe and report results of a surgical technique for the treatment of adolescent Blount's disease. We retrospectively reviewed the results of 15 inverted arcuate osteotomies combined with external fixation. The inverted arc provides a proximal and stable osteotomy that can correct deformity in three planes. External fixation provides stable fixation, access to surgical wounds, and postoperative adjustment. According to the criteria of Schoenecker, we had 80% good results. Two patients with poor results were the most overcorrected, suggesting that overcorrection may not be so desirable as once suggested. We conclude that the inverted arcuate osteotomy with external fixation is an effective, reliable, and simple technique for treating adolescent tibia vara.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

External fixation of the calcaneus and talus: an anatomical study for safe pin insertion.

Fifteen fresh-frozen adult cadaver feet were dissected to investigate areas in the hindfoot where external fixation pins could be safely inserted with the least risk to underlying nerves, vessels, and tendons. Using palpable anatomic landmarks, four relative "safe zones" on the calcaneus and talus were delineated. These included an area on the medial calcaneus, the medial talus, the lateral calcaneus, and the lateral talus. The medial calcaneal safe zone was a large, easily definable rectangular area on the posterior aspect of the tuberosity, posterior to the neurovascular bundle and extrinsic tendons. The medial talar safe zone was located on the medial talar neck, anterior and superior to the tibialis posterior tendon. The lateral calcaneal safe zone consisted of a large area of the lateral calcaneal tuberosity, located posterior to the peroneal tendons and sural nerve trunk. The lateral talar safe zone included only a narrow, vaguely palpable, quadrangular area on the lateral neck of the talus. The medial safe zones could be easily delineated by palpation and appeared safe for routine unilateral external fixation across the medial hindfoot and ankle. The lateral safe zones appeared safe and useful if both medial and lateral frames were required. The structures most at risk for injury during pin insertion in the zones described were the medial and lateral calcaneal nerve branches, which inconsistently crossed the medial and lateral calcaneal safe zones, respectively. In these areas overlying the tuberosity, however, the subcutaneous tissues were thin, and iatrogenic nerve injury during pin insertion appeared avoidable if blunt dissection was used to reach the calcaneal cortex. The data presented here provide information to assist selection of pin sites that minimize risk to underlying soft tissues during external fixation of the talus and calcaneus.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Mechanical properties of the Pinless external fixator on human tibiae.

UNLABELLED: In the treatment of either acute severe open tibial fractures or their sequelae, a convenient external fixator is desirable. The conventional transosseous fixation with pins entering the medullary cavity is associated with problems such as pin loosening and pin track infection. Due to the bacterial contamination of the medullary space via the pin track the change of treatment from primary external fixation to secondary medullary nailing is an infection risk. In order to minimize these problems an external clamp fixator, the Pinless, was created. Medullary penetration is avoided by substitution of the conventional pins with clamps. The latter are inserted by hand (removable handles) and anchored only in the bone cortex. The medullary cavity stays intact. But is this clamp fixation stable enough for clinical use? MATERIAL AND METHODS: On paired human cadaver tibiae, we compared the mechanical properties of the experimental Pinless, the conventional AO-tubular fixator and the Ultra-X fixator. Clamps differing in size (small/large) and material (steel/titanium) were used and compared to Schanz screws (steel, 5.0 mm diameter). We measured the stiffness of comparable configurations (1 or 2 bars) under axial compression, four-point-bending in two planes, and torsion. The pull-out force of the different clamps in relation to the bone diameter and number of rocking movements during insertion was also determined. RESULTS: The Pinless configurations with small clamps and 1 bar showed stiffness values as follows (as a percentage of the corresponding AO-tubular fixator): 42/36% (steel/titanium clamp) axial stiffness, 61/43% bending stiffness perpendicular to the reference plane, 78/79% bending stiffness parallel to the reference plane, and 90/95% torsional stiffness. The corresponding Ultra-X device was not as stiff as the Pinless. The use of two longitudinal rods increased the relative stiffness only under axial compression. The mean pull-out force on the proximal tibia was 1011 N for the small steel clamp, 717 N for the large steel clamp, 681 N for the small and 777 N for the large titanium clamp. At the lowest tibial diameter the values were reduced by 10 to 43%. The rocking movements doubled the pull-out force, e.g. there was a pull-out force for the large clamp of 600 N with five rocking movements compared to 310 N without. DISCUSSION: The Pinless was not as stiff as the conventional AO-tubular device but stiffer than the clinically used Ultra-X, especially in sagittal bending, the main load on a tibial fracture in the first weeks after trauma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Compression arthrodesis of the ankle by triangular external fixation: biomechanical and clinical evaluation.

This article describes a technique of ankle arthrodesis using a triangular external fixation frame and presents the results of biomechanical analysis and clinical experience with the frame. Clinical evaluation of 23 ankle arthrodeses performed using a triangular external fixation frame yielded a 91.3% fusion rate at an average of 11 weeks postfusion. The triangular frame was 79% stiffer than a compression-only external frame in torsion and 39% stiffer in anteroposterior bending. This high rate of fusion is attributed to the elimination of micromotion at the fusion site because of the increased rigidity of the triangular external compression frame.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed1994

Orthofix external fixation of distal radius fractures: complications associated with screw size.

We did a retrospective analysis of 28 patients who were treated with the Orthofix external fixation system for complex fractures of the distal radius to study complications associated with screw size. The 14 patients in group 1 had a 4.5/3.5-mm tapered screw placed in the metacarpal bone; the 14 patients in group 2 had a 3.5/3.3-mm tapered screw placed in the metacarpal bone. Both groups had 4.5/3.5-mm tapered screws placed in the radius. Two patients in group 1 had metacarpal pin tract infections; no patients in group 2 had a distal pin tract infection. Two patients in group 1 had a fracture of the metacarpal; only one patient in group 2 had a fracture of the metacarpal. In both groups two patients had proximal pin tract infections at the radius screw fixation site. There was no screw breakage in either group. The unique design of the tapered Orthofix screw allows it to be removed almost painlessly in the clinic. At installation in the operating room, however, the surgeon must remember not to back the threaded pin out for fine adjustment of bony penetration. Any reverse excursion of the threaded shaft will loosen the tapered screw and cause early failure of the fixation. We no longer use the 4.5/3.5-mm screw when managing wrist fractures with the Orthofix external fixation system. It is now our policy to use the 3.5/3.3-mm screw for fixation of the Orthofix external frame to both the metacarpal bone and the radius.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

The histology of distraction osteogenesis using different external fixators.

The local biology of distraction osteogenesis using Ilizarov and Wagner external fixators was compared in unilateral tibial lengthenings in two groups of eight dogs. Serial roentgenograms with histological correlation revealed some basic similarities as well as distinct differences between the two groups. All dogs fully bridged the experimental gap by intramembranous ossification. Subtle histological changes in the alignment of collagen bundles and subsequent ossification reflected the mechanical configuration of each fixator. The multiplanar, full-pin Ilizarov system delivered concentric load to the site of osteogenesis, inducing perfectly parallel columns of new bone. The uniplanar, one-half pin Wagner system induced angulation of the collagen and subsequent bone columns on the basis of eccentric load to the osteogenic interface. Despite a significant difference in axial rigidity, the Ilizarov and Wagner external fixators induced osteogenesis of equal volume.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Primary external fixation and secondary intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial fractures.

The results of primary external fixation and secondary intramedullary nailing of 21 tibial fractures are presented. It is shown that if secondary nailing is delayed until after granulation of the pin sites the technique is associated with a low infection rate. The union time for tibial fractures compares well with that of external fixation, although in closed and Gustilo type I open fractures primary intramedullary nailing gives superior results.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2001

A prospective comparison between external fixation and plates for treatment of midshaft nonunions of the clavicle.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several surgical techniques have been used to treat clavicular nonunions. The aim with this prospective study was to compare treatment of symptomatic midshaft clavicular nonunions with either external fixation or plating. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included two consecutive series where the first 11 patients (8 men and 3 women) were treated with external fixation (EF) while the following 13 patients (5 men and 8 women) were treated with internal fixation using a 3.5 mm reconstruction plate (RP). All patients had autologous cancellous bone graft. After on average 8.6 years (EF) and 5.4 years (RP), respectively, an independent observer evaluated the patients. RESULTS: In the EF-group 8/11 healed within 12 months while 3/11 healed after reoperation with a reconstruction plate and new bone grafting at 6-9 months. In the RP-group 12/13 healed within six months while 1/13 healed after two additional bone transplants. There was no hardware breakage. The healing time for the RP group was significant shorter when compared with the EF group even if the fractures that did not heal after the first operation were excluded. In 4 patients the plate was removed following healing. There was no significant difference in functional outcome between groups at follow up. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction plate was a better alternative than external fixation due to faster and more reliable healing. Patients commonly considered the external frame cumbersome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Internal and external fixation in complex diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures of the humerus.

The treatment of diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures of the humerus is often controversial, especially when these fractures are complex and/or unstable (i.e. comminuted, segmental, or with a butterfly fragment). The authors review the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of various open and closed procedures, concluding that a combination of internal and external fixation is a valid treatment for these fractures. The purpose of the external fixation is immediate stabilization of the fracture, which is difficult if not impossible with intramedullary internal fixation alone. Internal fixation devices (Rush rods or "anchor" nails introduced by closed means) make it possible to align the fracture, facilitating application of the external fixator, and at the same time promote rapid healing. Fractures treated by this method healed in an average of 2 1/2 months, without residual functional limitations of the shoulder or elbow.

External Fixators↗