The authors' objective was to determine the effects of bar diameter on the stiffness and cost of a knee-spanning external fixator. The authors studied 2 versions of an external fixator with a difference in bar diameter (small bars, 8-mm diameter; large bars, 11-mm diameter). Fixators were tested using frame dimensions and a synthetic fracture model appropriate for a tibial plateau fracture. Fiv...

BACKGROUND Articulated external fixation has been proposed as a method to protect ligament reconstructions while allowing aggressive and early postoperative rehabilitation after knee dislocation. However, the ability of these fixators to protect and stabilize the knee joint has not been clearly determined. HYPOTHESIS Articulated external fixation can reduce anteroposterior translation in the ...

BACKGROUND Customized foot plates attached to the foot ring of an ankle-spanning circular external fixator present a unique opportunity for patients undergoing complex lower-extremity limb salvage to participate in highly advanced weight-bearing physical therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify the rehabilitation capabilities afforded by this external fixator modification. METHODS S...

Introduction: One of the commonly encountered surgical dilemmas for most orthopaedic trauma surgeons is the management of compound tibia fractures with significant bone defects. We used the Ilizarov technique to solve this complex problem using an ilizarov fixator over an intramedullary tibia nail. We present a case series of five such patients with compound tibia fractures with significant bon...

UNLABELLED PURPOUSE OF THE STUDY: Pelvic ring fractures in the geriatric population are of increasing frequency. Often insufficiency fractures or occult fractures are described. With a classical injury mechanism the majority of these injuries are the result of a low energy trauma, typically a fall from standing or during walking.Clinically, many patients report immediate anterior groin pain but...

OBJECTIVE Safe and reliable access systems are crucial in laparoscopy, and trocar dislodgement is still a common and frustrating problem. Wall emphysema can occur besides the risky prolongation of the surgical procedure. Wall-anchoring components provide a better hold of the device. This comparative analysis assesses the frequency of dislodgement and a time-sparing effect on the intervention of...

BACKGROUND Reconstruction of Charcot feet remains a surgical challenge. The goal of this study was to investigate safety and clinical benefit from reconstruction of Charcot feet using an external fixator. There is limited valid data regarding long-term outcomes for Charcot foot procedures. METHODS In a retrospective study, 292 Charcot feet (282 patients) undergoing reconstructive procedures i...

Bone is amongst the very few tissues in the human body that possess intrinsic capacity to heal spontaneously following injury. However, beyond a certain critical size defect, bone cannot heal by itself and outside intervention is required. Numerous techniques are available for the management of these defects, including the gold standard autogenous bone grafts, allografts, bone graft substitutes...

PURPOSE Femoral lengthening using a circular or mono-lateral frame is a commonly used technique. Fracture at the site of the regenerate bone is a major concern especially following removal of the external fixator. This aim of this study was to assess the rate of fracture of the regenerate bone in this single surgeon series of paediatric patients and determine potential risk factors. METHODS R...