PURPOSE We assessed whether an intramedullary lengthening device would reduce the problems normally associated with the external fixation technique. We also wanted to determine whether it is a reliable construct for limb lengthening and deformity correction in the femur. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a matched-pair comparison of 30 femoral lengthenings, 15 with a motorized intramedullary ...

The pin-bone interface is the least stable component of the external skeletal fixator. Concerns exist regarding the ability to obtain adequate implant purchase in poor quality bone. Consequently, reduced bone quality has been viewed as a contra-indication for the use of external skeletal fixators. The aim of this study was to investigate the holding power of two different fixator pin designs in...

INTRODUCTION Tibia fracture caused by high velocity missiles is mostly comminuted and followed by bone defect which makes their healing process extremely difficult and prone to numerous complications. CASE OUTLINE A 34-year-old male was wounded at close range by a semi-automatic gun missile. He was wounded in the distal area of the left tibia and suffered a massive defect of the bone and soft...

We present a retrospective study of 27 patients treated by callus distraction using a unilateral external fixator of our own design for nonunion with bone loss and shortening of the femur caused by suppurative osteomyelitis. The unilateral external fixator was used either alone or in combination with an intramedullary nail. The mean age of the patients was 13.6 years (8 to 18). The fixator was ...

We have studied the progression of healing in 103 unstable fractures of the tibia. In 76 patients we removed the external fixator once the stiffness had reached 15 Nm/degrees in the sagittal plane. Deformity at the site of the fracture subsequently occurred in four patients. In a further 27, we measured stiffness in several planes and removed the fixator only when the stiffness reached 15 Nm/de...

Purpose The evaluation of a construction that allows the exchange of circular and unilateral external fixators on the same fixation pins to the bone in outpatient circumstances during bone lengthening and alignment procedures. Methods Nine children were treated with this concept. After bone lengthening and alignment, the circular fixators were exchanged for unilateral fixators in the outpatient...

BACKGROUND Large skeletal defects due to postosteomyelitis are uncommon, and they present a challenging reconstructive problem. The aim of our study was to summarize our experience performing a distraction osteogenesis technique using an intramedullary nail and a monolateral external fixator in the reconstruction of massive postosteomyelitis skeletal defects of the femur. METHODS Between Janu...

INTRODUCTION Knee dislocations are defined as ligament injuries involving at least two of the four most important knee ligaments. Results from recent studies have shown a tendency towards improvement of the functional outcomes with use of an articulated external fixator during the postoperative period following multiligament reconstruction. Our hypothesis was that good knee stability and early ...

carpal injuries are uncommon and are mainly seen in the younger age group. the incidence is unclear as many of the cases go undiagnosed. a 22-year-old male patient coming to the hospital after road traffic accident with head, face and left wrist injury. after immediate primary management the patient was taken up for a definitive procedure 4 days after the injury. scaphoid fracture was fixed wit...

background: the treatment of open tibial fractures is still an orthopaedic challenge and full of complications. in many cases the use of external fixator that has been known as a non-:union: machine is obligatory with a high incidence of pin track infection and other complications. the aim of this study was to compare the use of external fixation as a definite method for treatment of open tibia...