Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “External Fixators”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 883 records · Page 49Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

[Tibiotarsal arthrodesis: value of external fixator associated with in situ cancellous bone graft. Initial results apropos of 18 cases].

Tibio-talar arthrodesis poses some problems and the most frequent are non-union and varus malalignment of the ankle joint. The aim of this report was to present a new technique of ankle joint arthrodesis. The principles of this procedure are as follows: firstly, the external fixation (A.L.J.) is framed, secondly, perpendicular cuts are made in the tibial plafond and talus through an anterior longitudinal approach; and thirdly, the gap is filled with cancellous bone graft which is taken preferably on the iliac crest. If the back-foot is not correctly lined up preoperatively, the external device is framed in two steps: the first step consists in putting the pins. Then perpendicular cuts are made, and the back-foot is correctly lined up using calcaneal pins. The second step consists in connecting tibial pins and foot pins using union-rods. The last step of the procedure is to fill the gap with cancellous bone graft. The external fixation device is removed after 45 days and a shortleg walking cast is put for 45 days. Between 1981 and 1992, 18 arthrodesis were performed on various diagnosis: 9 post-traumatic tibio-talar osteoarthritis, 4 residual neurologic diseases, 2 rheumatoid arthritis and 3 recent post-traumatic lesions. There were 17 patients (one bilateral case), 4 females and 13 males; the middle age at the time of operation was 44.5 years (20 to 60) and there were 10 right ankles and 8 left. The tibio-talar arthrodesis was performed alone in 14 cases, but it was associated with a talo-calcaneus arthrodesis in 4 cases. The after care was without complications except 3 pins infection which cured with antibiotics. All the cases had a good bony union within 3 to 6 months and the orientation of the backfoot was always satisfactory without varus malalignment. All the patients could put one's shoes without having recourse to orthopaedic shoes. In conclusion, this operative procedure seems to minimize the problems and pittfalls of the ankle arthrodesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Open subtalar dislocation treated by distractional external fixation.

Subtalar dislocation is a rare injury, constituting approximately 1% of acute dislocations, and often is the result of high-energy trauma, particularly falls from heights. We present a case of a 33-year-old man who sustained a Gustilo type IIIB open subtalar dislocation when he fell 4 m from a scaffold. After irrigation and debridement, a Mitkovic distractional external fixator was applied medially for 6 weeks while the wound healed by secondary intention. Physical therapy was initiated along with partial to full weight bearing during the next 3 months. The patient returned to work at 8 months postinjury. At 24 months, the patient had a normal gait with pain only during prolonged periods of standing or walking. X-rays and MRI were normal with no signs of avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthritis. Ankle joint range of motion was dorsiflexion 5 degrees and plantar flexion 45 degrees with moderately limited subtalar joint motion. The distractional external fixator allowed for complete wound care and unburdening of the talus, which perhaps reduced the possibility of avascular necrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Change in treatment procedure after primary external fixator osteosynthesis in polytrauma patients].

In polytrauma patients stabilisation of fractures is of minor importance compared with life-saving surgical interventions concerning the body cavities. Because of persisting instability especially of long bones with disadvantageous effects on the state of shock and the respiratory system (fat embolism, ARDS) early stabilisation of fractures should be achieved. In our experience the majority of cases allows external fixation of long bone fractures simultaneously with or following the life-saving operations. Postoperative positioning and nursing as well as additional diagnostic procedures are considerably facilitated. An early change of the stabilisation method should be performed as soon as possible if tolerated by the general and soft tissue conditions. Follow-up of 54 patients with 76 fractures stabilised primarily by external fixator demonstrates our experiences with planning and realisation of the change of stabilisation method. The functional and radiological results after an average of 28 months are pointed out.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

External fixation and bone grafting for collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture were hospitalized from July 1998 to June 2003. All fractures were treated by the methods of open reduction, sustained bone grafting and passing joint external fixator to restore the anatomic shape of distal radius. RESULTS: All 26 cases were followed up, and the results showed that the fractures have been united radiographically. The joint surfaces were intact and there was no length discrepancy occurred in patient's radius. The average volar tilt was 6 to 15 degrees and the average ulnar tilt was 18 to 25 degrees. According to the Dieust criterion, 19 cases were rated as excellent and 7 as good. CONCLUSIONS: The method that applying passing joint external fixator and bone grafting for the treatment of collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture could maintain the stability of fracture and restore the length of radius and the intact of joint surface.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Radio-ulnar synostosis following external fixation.

Post-traumatic radio-ulnar synostosis is an unusual but serious complication of adult forearm fractures. This is the first report of radio-ulnar synostosis following external fixation to be described in the English literature. A 52-year-old man sustained a fracture of the distal radius and ulna which was managed by external fixation. Following this, he developed a radio-ulnar synostosis at the pin-track site. The synostosis was successfully removed and he regained significant rotatory movement of his forearm.

Fracture Fixation↗
PubMed2004

A cost analysis of three methods of treating femoral shaft fractures in children: a comparison of traction in hospital, traction in hospital/home and external fixation.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus as to which is best treatment of femoral fractures in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cost analysis comparing three treatments of femoral shaft fractures in children aged 3-15 years at 3 hospitals during the same period (1993-2000). The analysis included total medical costs and costs for the care provider and were calculated from the time of injury up to 1 year. RESULTS: At hospital 1, treatment consisted of external fixation and early mobilization. At hospital 2, the treatment was skin or skeletal traction in hospital for 1-2 weeks, followed by home traction. At hospital 3, treatment was skin or skeletal traction in hospital until the fracture healed. RESULTS: The average total costs per patient were EUR 10,000 at hospital 1, EUR 23,000 at hospital 2, and EUR 38,000 at hospital 3. INTERPRETATION: The main factor for determining the cost of treatment was the number of days in hospital, which was lower in children treated with external fixation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[External fixator in complicated tibial fracture. Effect of various fixation systems on fracture healing and rate of complications].

In a retrospective analysis 93 external fixations with different rigidity after open tibial shaft fractures have been reviewed and compared concerning complications and healing time. Fracture consolidation was attained in fixation with unilateral frame after 14 weeks, with bilateral v-shaped fixator after 19 weeks and with triangular configuration in about 28 weeks. Subsequent internal fixation or extension to v-shaped fixation was necessary in about 33% after initial unilateral half-pin frame, whereas 90% of the two rigid systems could be left in situ until fracture consolidation was achieved. Cancellous bone grafts were performed in 58% after triangular, in 40% after v-shaped, and 28% after unilateral fixation. Pin infections were observed in 36% after triangular, 25% after bilateral v-shaped, and in 15% after unilateral fixation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Gunshot fractures of the humeral shaft treated with external fixation.

In a prospective study, we assessed 38 consecutive gunshot fractures of the humeral shaft treated between 1 April 1990 and 30 June 1994. The average age was 34 (range, 16-60) years. Average follow-up was 31 (range, 8-50) months. Low-velocity fractures occurred in 35 patients. All fractures were comminuted and displaced. Nerve injuries (radial and/or median) occurred in eight and vascular injuries in three patients. All three vascular injuries had combined nerve injuries. The arteries and nerves were explored; only one artery was found severed and required repair; two arteries and all explored nerves were in continuity. All patients had minimal debridement, antibiotic therapy and stabilization of the fracture with an external fixator. The wounds healed by granulation in 27 patients; seven had secondary closure, and four had split skin grafts. The external fixator was left in place for 6-24 (average, 16) weeks. In 34 patients union occurred between 12 and 24 (average, 16) weeks. Two patients with delayed union required bone grafting. Nonunion occurred in two patients (5%). Full recovery of the nerve palsy without further intervention was observed in seven of the eight cases. Superficial pin track infection was present in five patients; two had deep wound sepsis, and one had bone sepsis. We recommend this treatment for low-velocity humeral shaft fractures.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors which may increase stresses at the pin-bone interface in external fixation: a finite element analysis study.

The pin-bone interface of the external fixation system has been studied using a finite element mode. The maximum stresses were observed in the near 'cortex' adjacent to the site of entry of the pin. This location coincides with the area where loosening is usually first observed radiologically. Other results indicate that the stress values are significantly increased by using deep threads and by using stainless steel instead of titanium.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2006

Use of an external fixation combined with the buttress-maintain pinning method in treating comminuted distal radius fractures in osteoporotic patients.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to keep the alignment of a distal radius fracture in patients with osteoporosis and prevent malunion. Therefore, we hoped to design better method to maintain alignment. METHODS: Thirty-two patients over 65 years old with a displaced unstable distal radius fracture were treated by the external fixator combined with buttress-maintain pinning method and were compared with a group of 66 patients less than 60 years old treated by the same method. RESULT: The radiologic results demonstrated that postoperative and final radial length and volar tilt were not statistically different between both groups. The functional result (excellent and good) in the elderly group was 87.5% and 89% to that of the control group. There was only one complication of pin tract infection in the elderly group. CONCLUSIONS: External fixation for unstable distal radius fracture combined with buttress-maintain pinning method can be used in the osteoporotic bone of older adults with results similar to those for young adults at 18 months follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Treatment of fractures of the tibial shaft with inter-fragmentary screws and external fixation.

In a prospective trial, 10 patients underwent inter-fragmentary screws and external fixation for unilateral tibial shaft fractures. Anatomical reduction was achieved in all cases and uncomplicated bone union occurred in nine patients with a mean time to union of 122 (SD 20) days. One patient had delayed union and the fracture malunited. A 20% pin tract sepsis rate was encountered. The high risk of infection, the demanding follow-up and availability of better methods, does not allow this technique to be recommended in the routine treatment of closed tibial diaphysial fractures.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Analysis of the design principle and mechanics nature of adjustable semi-circular planum external fixator].

This thesis presents our studies of an adjustable semi-circular planum external fixator and offers a relatively detailed introduction and analysis of the structure principle and mechanics nature. Because dual-direction joining pole with active joints was used, by adjusting the length of each pole, it can not only make the two semi-circular steel plates more parallely along the axis line to stabilize the fracture and lengthen the extremity, but it also can change the planum angle of the steel plate, and thus achieve the effect of orthopaedic function.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2005

Successful treatment of high congenital dislocated hips in older children by open reduction, pelvic and femoral osteotomy with external fixator stabilization (average 8.2 years of age).

A new technique using a hinged external fixator to stabilize an open reduction with pelvic and femoral osteotomies has been developed for treating high-dislocated hips in older children with developmental dislocated hip (DDH). This technique was performed in 11 patients (12 hips) at a mean age of 8.2 years. At follow up, radiographic results showed no redislocation/subluxation and clinical results demonstrated 11 hips as excellent/good and only one hip as poor from persistent stiffness. In conclusion, this new technique produces acceptable results in the treatment of older children with high dislocation of the hip from DDH.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with cancellous allograft and external fixation.

Unstable fractures of the distal radius continue to pose a challenge to the hand surgeon. Adjunctive bone grafting is often required to augment structural integrity and aid healing. Because of the risks inherent to bone autograft harvest, however, freeze-dried, irradiated cancellous bone allograft has been used to treat unstable distal radius fractures with severe metaphyseal comminution. Seventeen patients with such fractures (mean age, 70 years; 2 males and 15 females) were treated with bone allograft and external fixation with or without internal fixation. The outcome was evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score, demonstrating 3 excellent, 8 good, 6 fair, and no poor results on follow-up examination (mean follow-up period, 23 months; range, 7-43 months). The patients were requested to return for follow-up review between 1997 and 1998. These results show that cancellous bone allograft is a useful adjunct to external fixation in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Hoffmann half-frame external fixation rigidity and its relationship to universal joint slippage.

Hoffmann half-frame external fixation device configurations often fail under minimal loads secondary to joint slippage. In these experiments improved universal joints that were developed in an earlier study were tested on Hoffmann half-frame assemblies. The rigidity of selected half-frame configurations was tested in four modes (axial compression, torsion, medial-lateral and anterior-posterior four-point bending). These results were compared to those of an earlier, similar study looking at the standard Hoffmann half-frame. No changes in overall rigidity were noted, but significant increases in yield loads and loads to frame failure were achieved. Such improvements will increase the reliability and usefulness of the Hoffmann device to the orthopaedic community.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed1986

[Use of external fixation in pediatric fractures].

Conservative treatment is usually applied to fractures in childhood. However, stabilisation of such fractures is necessary for certain indications. Indications for stabilisation are specified, and a new technique for stabilisation is described. Fractures were stabilised in 40 children, using a clamp-type fixator. In this context, Hoffmann's external fixator is recommended for cases of closed resetting, since additional and corrective resetting would then be possible even after application of bone nails and apparatus. The following advantages are likely to be provided by the above approach: reduced time of hospitalisation, very early possibility of mobilisation and exposure to loading, minor traumatisation in the course of stabilisation of such fractures. No blood transfusion has ever been necessary for blood supply to patients with femoral fractures. Absence from school has been minimized. This surgical approach has proved to be simple and of low-risk nature, as compared to plate osteosynthesis.

Athletic Injuries↗