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PubMed2003

Tibial lengthening: technique for speedy lengthening by external fixation and secondary internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: The conventional Ilizarov technique for tibial lengthening is frequently time-consuming, causes suffering, and is associated with many complications. This study takes a retrospective approach to investigate the outcome of applying a slightly speedier procedure using an Ilizarov apparatus and secondary internal fixation. METHODS: Twelve adult patients displaying tibial shortening (median, 4.0 cm; mean, 4.6 cm; range, 3.0-12.0 cm) with various causes were treated with or without tibial osteotomy and stabilized using an Ilizarov lengthening apparatus. Postoperatively, lengthening of 1 to 1.5 mm/day was performed until the desired length was achieved. External fixation was then converted to internal fixation and either pure autogenous bone graft, or a mixture of autogenous and allogenous bone graft was supplemented. Postoperatively, protected weight bearing was advised until bony union was achieved. RESULTS: Eleven patients were followed up for a median of 3.4 years (mean, 4.0 years; range, 2.1-6.7 years) and solid union was achieved in all cases. Median external fixation occurred after 1.8 months (mean, 1.9 months; range, 1.2-4.5 months) and the median time until union after internal fixation was 4.5 months (mean, 4.8 months; range, 4-6 months). Two patients with rigid equinus feet required concomitant Achillis tendon lengthening. No other significant complications were noted. Classification of the results revealed that improvement from an unsatisfactory to a satisfactory outcome was achieved in all patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The described technique shortens the external fixation period and reduces patient suffering. Moreover, a high union rate and a low complication rate are achieved. Subjectively and objectively, patients can achieve satisfactory outcomes. Consequently, the described technique may be considered as an alternative to conventional techniques when indicated.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Experimental analysis of effects of pin pretensioning on external fixator rigidity.

The effects of same-fragment pin pretensioning on the rigidity of a simple fixator system were investigated. An external fixator device constructed to apply same-fragment pin pretensioning of a defined amount was applied to a bone model made of pedilen cylinders. System rigidity was tested for varying degrees of pin pretensioning in axial compression and AP bending. Pin pretensioning, bringing transfixing pins together, tended to weaken the system in both modalities tested. Tensioning by bringing the pins apart increased the rigidity of the system in AP bending and axial compression.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2006

Corrective supracondylar humeral osteotomies using the small AO external fixator.

Traditional methods of correcting malunited distal humeral fractures in children involve complex wedge osteotomies held with pins or internal fixation devices. These require a large exposure and challenging fixation. We elected to perform simple transverse osteotomies, without wedges, using a lateral incision. These were maintained by the small AO external fixator. Between 1987 and 2004, five children with malunited distal humeral fractures were treated. Angular and rotational correction was obtained in each case. Bony union occurred at an average of 8 weeks. A simple osteotomy held by the small AO external fixator provides accurate correction, precise adjustability, and solid stability.

Bone Nails↗
PubMed1998

[Loosening of Schanz screws in external fixator montage of the lower extremity].

We analyzed the failure of Schanz pins in 234 patients with fractures of the lower extremity. All patients had the AO external fixator and stainless steel pins (ISO 58/32-1). The mean duration of treatment was 14 weeks. During this time 88 of a total of 1147 pins became loose. The first failures occurred 2 weeks after insertion. Most pins failed after 5-6 weeks. Early loosening was not accompanied signs of local infection, while late failures regularly developed pintract infections. Pins next to the fracture gap exhibited the highest rate of loosening. Intermediate pins had the lowest one. We could not detect an effect of the configuration of the external fixation. Eighty-one percent of the failed pins were exchanged consequently. We conclude that the early occurrence of pin loosening is due to mechanical reasons. Significant factors for this complications were the location close to the fracture gap and the number of pins in that segment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Treatment of fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint using the Suzuki external fixator.

We describe a simple technique for fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Eight fingers with a fracture-dislocation were treated with a self-manufactured dynamic external fixator, allowing early mobilization. The fixator consists of pins and rubbers. The clinical and radiographic outcome was evaluated and recorded. A near-normal function was obtained in four patients. The average total active motion was 82 degrees. Radiographic reduction was maintained. This external fixator is an inexpensive and simple technique for these difficult fracture-dislocations. Early intervention (before two weeks post-trauma) is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The theoretical application of inclined hinges with the Ilizarov external fixator for simultaneous angulation and rotation correction.

The mathematical concepts of single-cut osteotomies for simultaneous correction of angulation and rotation have been adapted and simplified for gradual distraction-osteogenic correction with the Ilizarov external fixator. Validation studies were performed analytically, using a solid modeling analysis, and experimentally with an Ilizarov external fixator mounted on a wood dowel. The resultant equations have been simplified and are easy to use. Starting from the hinge which would correct the angulation, the axis must be reoriented in the horizontal plane by half the rotation deformity (R/2) and given an inclination slope equal to the rotation divided by the angulation (R/A).

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ender nailing versus external fixation in the stabilization of type III open tibial shaft fractures.

UNLABELLED: Management of severe open tibial shaft fractures presents a difficult challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. They are frequently associated with loss of limb, infection and high levels of morbidity. All the authors considered, now, that there are five keys to successful treatment: antibiotic therapy, radical debridement and pulsed lavage irrigation, stabilization of fracture with minimal further devascularization, early soft tissue coverage and early bone-grafting. It rests, also, a number of controversies in the management of open tibial fractures, not least of which is the method of fracture stabilization: the choice between intramedullary nailing and external skeletal fixation, the use of reamed or unreamed nails. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with 62 open fractures of the tibial shaft type IIIA, B and C (Gustilo) were treated between 1.01.1994 and 31.12.1998 in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania. There were 29 cases type IIIA fractures, 26 cases type IIIB and 7 cases type IIIC (Mess score showed the viability of the limb). Our patients were 36 males and 21 females; their mean age was 36 years (range 17 to 70). Forty-six patients were injured in road traffic accidents and 11 in other traumatic incidents. In 33 cases the skeletal stabilization was achieved by Ender nailing under general or regional anesthesia. In 15 cases we used a bilateral uniplanar external fixator (Burghele) and 14 fractures were stabilized with an Ilizarov external fixator. We note a secondary amputation after the failure of the revascularization of the limb in a type IIIC fracture. RESULTS: All fractures united; the mean time to union was 30.2 weeks--in the external fixation group and 26.4 weeks--in the Ender nailing group. Malunions occurred slightly more frequently in the external fixation group that in the Ender nailing group (15.7% versus 5.8%). We noted--also--more secondary procedures required in the external fixation group. The infection rate was 3 of 33 (9.1%) in the Ender nailing group compared to 4 deep (13.8%) and 8 pin-tract infection (27.6%) in the external fixation group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that Ender nailing has several advantages over external fixation in the management of severe open tibial shafts fractures. Based on these results, over the last years, in our Department we use mainly the Ender nailing technique, as we consider it a better approach for these type of lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unplanned 10-year retention of an external fixator for a proximal tibial fracture.

A 45-year-old homeless male patient did not return for follow-up for routine removal 72 days after an external fixator had been placed for a grade II open fracture of the proximal tibia. Ten years later, he was accidentally referred to our institution for newly incurred fractures of the femoral neck on the same side and also for an opposite-side medial malleolus fracture. The patient was still homeless, with signs of poor personal hygiene, but the original external fixator was in place. Union of his previous proximal tibia fracture had occurred, and there were no signs of any pin-tract infection. Possibilities for this successful outcome include fracture stability, subsequent healing without pin breakage, and 7 weeks of professional wound care before the patient's initial discharge from the hospital, resulting in a scarred skin barrier at the pin-skin interface.

Cicatrix↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reosteosynthesis of the tibial shaft. Part I. Changement of procedure after external fixation.

A series of 38 patients with 38 fractures of the tibial shaft, primarily treated with an external fixator, is presented. In all of them, a second osteosynthesis is performed. More than 80% of these fractures were open and more than 80% were of the type B or C of the AO-classification. A pseudarthrosis was responsible for the reosteosynthesis in 24 fractures and a deep infection in 10. The day before the second intervention averaged 8.4 months. In 22 patients a plate osteosynthesis, in 11 an intramedullary nailing and in 4 a second external fixation was carried out. In one patient a transposition of a free osteomyocutaneous flap was performed. The functional end results were excellent or good in 75% of the patients. In fractures with a high risk of bone healing problems, a changing of procedure should be planned from the beginning of the treatment. The second procedure significantly shortens the time of fracture healing. The most appropriate stabilization should be performed secondarily, depending on the fracture form and the situation of the soft tissues of the lower leg.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

External fixators for elective rearfoot and ankle arthrodesis. Techniques and indications.

Since its introduction to the western hemisphere in the mid 1980's, Gavriel Ilizarov's ring fixator system has been studied extensively and shown to be a superior mechanical construct for stabilizing limb segments. This newfound form of external fixation has radically changed many elements of foot and ankle reconstruction, providing a modular device that can accommodate the complex limb deformities while performing multiple tasks. This article summarizes the authors' experience with compression arthrodesis of the rearfoot and ankle using external fixation.

Ankle Joint↗
PubMed2005

Complications encountered while using thin-wire-hybrid-external fixation modular frames for fracture fixation. A retrospective clinical analysis and possible support for "Damage Control Orthopaedic Surgery".

One hundred ninety eight adult patients who had sustained long bone fractures were treated by external fixation from admission to bone healing and consolidation. Of these, 135 had sustained high-energy injuries, 39 of them had suffered multi-system injuries. Superficial pin track infection was the most common complication, occurring predominantly in pins located in the femur, upper tibia and upper humerus. There were no cases of deep infection or osteomyelitis. One patient with a femoral shaft fracture developed a DVT although he was on preventive low molecular weight heparin, i.e. sc Clexane 40 mg daily. There were no cases of PE or ARDS. External fixation systems are a minimal invasive surgical modality, which allow three-dimensional fracture fixation after closed or minimal open reduction. They require a good command of surgical anatomy, but provide an optimal preservation of the fracture's soft tissue envelope, the critical biological factor for new bone formation and fracture healing. Recent publications have suggested that in the critically ill patient, minimally invasive fracture fixation surgery may prevent the perpetuation of a reactive, life threatening inflammatory reaction (the "second hit") which may induce the development of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS).

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hybrid external fixation in tibial plafond fractures.

Fourteen patients with Ruedi/Allgower types II and III distal tibia fractures received indirect reduction followed by application of a Monticelli-Spinelli hybrid external fixation system. All 14 patients were available for followup. A stability similar to that of an open reduction and internal Fixation was noted. The mean time to union was 13 weeks. There were no nonunions. One patient experienced malunion in 7 degrees varus. Superficial pin tract infections occurred in 8 pins (3 patients), and all resolved with aggressive pin care and a short course of orally administered antibiotics. Through postoperative tomography, 1 pin was found to be within the ankle joint and was removed. There were no deep infections. The subjective and objective results were classified according to Ovadia and Beals. On the basis of these early results, by limiting additional trauma to the soft and bony tissues and allowing early ankle range of motion, indirect reduction and application of a hybrid external fixator is useful, particularly if the fracture fragments are so comminuted that anatomic reduction cannot be expected despite surgical intervention.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

External fixation for dynamic correction of severe scoliosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The ideal treatment for scoliosis may be the correction of the factors that cause the disease. An external fixation device was used in 12 patients to achieve a correction by dynamic distraction, compression and derotation of the curve. Follow-up was done over a 7-year period. PURPOSE: To describe the treatment of inflexible and severe scoliosis by special correction with external fixation. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This was a prospective, longitudinal and descriptive study, with a follow-up period of 7 years. PATIENT SAMPLE: Twelve patients (9 female, 3 male) from the National Orthopaedic Institute Spine Service in external consultation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic measurements with the scoliosis angulation of Cobb's method were used before surgery, after surgery and in the final follow-up period. METHODS: The surgical procedure consisted of two stages, anterior and posterior approach, dissectomies, vertebrectomy at the apex, spinal column shortening and the placement of an external stabilization device. Progressive correction of the curve was done by a daily increase in distraction (3 mm/day). When the correction was finished, a different internal fixation device was used to maintain the correction. The time between initial treatment and final correction was 50 days. Ten thoracic curves, one thoracolumbar curve and one lumbar curve were treated, with an average of 93 degrees. All patients had kyphosis with an average of 89 degrees. Vertebral rotation was not found in two patients. RESULTS: Average correction of scoliosis was 52.9% and of kyphosis, 29%. Vertebral rotation in eight cases was corrected. There were no neurological irreversible lesions in any patient. There was one infection. Using an evaluation result scale, there were 2 excellent, 6 good and 4 fair outcomes. The average loss of correction was 5 degrees. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the use of an external stabilization device with controlled compression on the convexity and distraction on the concavity of the curve can achieve a correction of up to 50% in scoliosis, 30% in kyphosis and 1 degree in the rotation of the spine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The use of dynamic external fixation to obtain tibiocalcaneal fusion after Boyd's amputation.

Two patients sustained severe injuries of the foot and ankle, which were managed with Boyd's amputation. A large-pin dynamic external fixator was used to obtain fusion between the calcaneus and distal tibia. Boyd's amputation preserves limb length and prevents posterior migration of the heel pad (both are disadvantages of Syme's amputation). Use of a dynamic external fixator may result in reliable and rapid consolidation of the fusion (thus overcoming the disadvantage associated with Boyd's amputation).

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Risk factors for deep infection in secondary intramedullary nailing after external fixation for open tibial fractures.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for deep infection in secondary intramedullary nailing (IMN) after external fixation (EF) for open tibial fractures were investigated by multivariate analysis following univariate analyses. METHODS: Forty-two open tibial fractures were treated with secondary IMN after EF. The open tibial fractures were classified according to the criteria proposed by Gustilo et al.: type II, 11; type IIIA, 8; type IIIB, 22 and type IIIC, 1. Locked IMNs with limited reaming were performed in 27 patients, and locked IMNs without reaming in 15 patients. The following factors contributing to deep infection were selected for analysis: age, gender, Gustilo type (II or III), fracture grade by AO type (A or B+C), fracture site, existence of multiple trauma (Injury Severity Score, ISS<18 or ISS> or = 18), existence of floating knee injury, debridement time (< or = 6 h or > 6 h), reamed (R) versus unreamed (UR) nailing, duration of external fixation (< or = 3 weeks or >3 weeks), interval between removal of EF and IMN (< or = 2 weeks or >2 weeks), skin closure time (< or = 1 week or >1 week), existence of superficial infection (+ or -) and existence of pin tract infection (+ or -). The relationship between deep infection and the above factors was evaluated by univariate analyses. RESULTS: Seven (16.7%) of the 42 open tibia fractures developed deep infections. All deep infections occurred in Gustilo type III (22.6%, 7/31). Only the skin closure time was a significant factor affecting the occurrence of deep infection on the present analysis (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The present evaluation showed that early skin closure within 1 week is the most important factor in preventing deep infections when treating open tibial fractures with secondary IMN after EF.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

External fixation of lower limb fractures in children.

Thirty-four tibial and femoral shaft fractures in 32 children between the ages of 3 and 15 years were treated by external fixation over a 5-year period. The indications were fractures occurring in association with other major injuries and failure of conservative treatment to maintain satisfactory reduction. There was one case of delayed union and one early refracture. The overall pin track infection rate was 6%, but the rate for the tibial pins (2.1%) was much lower than for the femoral pins (10.3%). Union was achieved at an average of 11.7 weeks in the femoral fractures and 10.0 weeks in the tibial fractures. The use of external fixation is recommended for childhood femoral and tibial fractures, particularly in children with multiple injuries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Simplified external fixation for primary management of severe musculoskeletal injuries under war and peace time conditions.

This study was undertaken to document whether a basic set of a new unilateral external fixation device could provide sufficient stability in complex musculoskeletal injuries involving upper and lower extremities and in patients with unstable pelvic ring disruptions. The initial clinical evaluation was performed in Sweden (stage 1) followed by field evaluation at the Swedish Field Hospital during the Mogadishu conflict in Somalia (stage 2). In stage 1, there were 90 patients with 116 acute limb injuries and six patients with an unstable pelvic ring disruption. Ninety limb injuries and all six pelvic fractures were primarily stabilized by the external fixation device. The other 26 fractures were managed at the index operation with intramedullary nailing, open reduction, and internal fixation or cast immobilization. Twelve patients had a local pedicle or free vascularized flap for soft tissue coverage. One multiply injured with an open Gustilo IIIB tibial shaft fracture had an early amputation. The basic set provided adequate stabilization for soft tissue recovery in 89 limb injuries (89 of 90), thereby providing optimal conditions for continued management to skeletal consolidation in 88 patients. Hemodynamic stabilization was achieved in all six patients with unstable pelvic fractures. In stage 2, there were 63 patients with war injuries and 33 patients injured in traffic accidents. All were managed under field conditions. The basic set was sufficient for soft tissue recovery in all 96 cases. It is concluded that the rigidity of this device is adequate for stabilization of severe musculoskeletal injuries requiring major surgical procedures. In addition, the simplicity of this device, which allows for only a limited number of possible configurations makes it suitable for inexperienced surgeons working under war or mass-casualty conditions to manage these complex musculoskeletal injuries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

External fixation in proximal tibial osteotomy: a comparison of three methods.

During a period of 6 years (1990-1996), 154 patients with unilateral gonarthrosis underwent proximal tibial osteotomy using 3 different methods of external fixation: (1) closing wedge osteotomy and bilateral fixation; (2) closing wedge osteotomy with unilateral fixation, and (3) opening wedge osteotomy with unilateral fixation. The most common complications were pin-tract infection (25%), temporary nerve palsy (10%), and loss of alignment (17%). At least one complication developed in 33% of patients in this study, indicating that the use and technique of external fixation in proximal tibial osteotomy can be problematic.

Adult↗