The SK™ external fixation system: description of components, instrumentation, and application techniques

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Bronson ◽  
D. Ross ◽  
R. D. Welch ◽  
J. P. Toombs

SummaryThe SK™ external fixator was designed to overcome the problems commonly encountered with clinical use of the Kirschner-Ehmer (KE) splint. It enables the use of a range of different fixation pin diameters within a construct, improved pin centering within the bone, increased flexibility in frame construction and disassembly, and a decreased need for the use of full-pins to achieve fracture stabilization. The SK™ external fixator is available in three sizes: mini, small, and large. This report describes the components of the SK™ ESF system, the instrumentation needed to apply it, and the recommended application techniques.

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minoru Doita ◽  
Koki Uno ◽  
Koichiro Maeno ◽  
Takatoshi Shimomura ◽  
Kotaro Nishida ◽  
...  

✓ The suggested methods of treatment for spondyloptosis have included benign neglect, in situ fusion and variations, decompression and fusion, and vertebrectomy (the Gaines procedure). On review of the literature, the authors found no previous report in the English-language literature in which external fixation was used in the treatment of spondyloptosis. This 33-year-old woman with spondyloptosis underwent a 2-stage operation involving decompression, reduction, and posterior fusion in which an Ilizarov external fixator and transpedicular fixation system were used. Spondylolisthesis with a slippage of angle 78° and > 100% slippage was partially reduced to 30° and 60% without neurological alterations and without complications. The postoperative follow-up showed marked improvement in her symptoms and a good cosmetic result. Reconstructed computed tomography scanning at 18 months demonstrated complete fusion. The use of external fixation in the treatment of spondyloptosis may be preferable because of its neurological safety, despite the longer duration of treatment, than single-stage operation. The authors believe posterior decompression of the cauda equina, partial reduction of the spondylolisthetic deformity, interbody fusion, and stabilization with an external fixator and transpedicular fixation system can be successfully and safely used as a 2-stage treatment for adult high-grade spondyloptosis.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (01) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirzad Houshian ◽  
Shan Shan Jing

Treatment of Rolando fractures remains a challenge for hand surgeons. We present a case series of 16 comminuted Rolando type fractures treated by controlled capsuloligamentous distraction (and over distraction by 2 mm) using the Pennig mini-external fixation system. Additional Kirschner wire(s) were used to maintain fracture reduction and stability. Average time of injury to surgery time was five days. Mean age of patients was 26 years. The mean follow-up was 20 months. Excellent fracture union was achieved in all cases. All except two patients were pain free at the final consultation. The mean grip and pinch strength of the affected thumb was 96% and 93%, respectively, of the unaffected thumb with a minimal loss of movements. This technique is simple and effective. It enables immediate mobilisation of the unaffected joints and prevents stiffness. We recommend this distraction technique for the treatment of significantly comminuted Rolando type fractures.


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001766
Author(s):  
Diagarajen Carpanen ◽  
S D Masouros ◽  
D J Stinner

IntroductionCurrent external fixator systems used by the US and UK military for stabilising extremity fractures require specialised tools to build a construct. The goal of obtaining and maintaining limb length and alignment is not achieved if these tools are misplaced. An alternative, tool-less system is currently available, namely the Dolphix Temporary Fixation System. The aim of this study was to compare the stiffness of the Dolphix system with the existing Hoffmann III system.MethodsThree Hoffmann III and three Dolphix constructs were assembled on a bone (tibia) surrogate. A 30 mm fracture gap was created to simulate a comminuted proximal tibia or distal femur fracture. The constructs were then tested in cyclic axial compression once daily for 3 consecutive days.ResultsThe length and alignment of the surrogate limb was restored following each testing cycle with both external fixation systems. The stiffness of the constructs was maintained throughout each sequential test, with the Dolphix exhibiting 54% the stiffness of the Hoffmann III construct.ConclusionGiven the Dolphix’s performance in mechanical testing and the unique advantage of having a tool-less manual locking clamp mechanism, this tool-less system should be considered for use in the mobile austere environment.


1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (04) ◽  
pp. 193-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Radasch ◽  
C. T. Trostel

SummaryArthrodesis is a well documented treatment option for comminuted intraarticular fractures, irreparable collateral ligament injuries, limb salvage for ischiatic nerve injury, and severe degenerative joint disease of the tarsocrural joint (1-6). Conservative splint or bandage application often results in a less than favorable outcome in the management of these types of injuries. Common techniques to achieve tarsocrural arthrodesis include divergent Steinmann pin placement, lag screw or compression plating and external skeletal fixation (1-5). This report describes a tarsocrural arthrodesis using a circular external fixation system to manage an open, severely contaminated, comminuted intra-articular fracture of the talus and calcaneous, with extensive soft tissue degloving injuries. The decision to use a circular external fixation system was based on its ability to (1) adequately stabilize the tibialtarsal region, (2) be applied with minimal soft tissue and vascular disruption, (3) allow adequate post-operative soft tissue wound management, and (4) be tolerated well by the patient allowing early weight bearing of the limb.Severe tarsocrural injuries were diagnosed on a four-year-old mixed breed dog including articular fractures of the tubercalcaneous, talus, fibula, multiple tarsal bones and the second metatarsal bone. A circular ring external fixator was used to arthrodese the joint. Twelve weeks following surgery the limb was functional without any mechanical gait alteration and with minimal to zero discomfort.


F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluca Testa ◽  
Domenico Aloj ◽  
Alessandro Ghirri ◽  
Eraclite Petruccelli ◽  
Vito Pavone ◽  
...  

Background: Femoral shaft fractures, typical in younger people, are often associated with polytrauma followed by traumatic shock. In these situations, despite intramedullary nailing being the treatment of choice, external fixation could be used as the definitive treatment. The aim of this study is to report evidence regarding definitive treatment of femoral shaft fractures with monoaxial external fixation. Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2015, 83 patients with 87 fractures were treated at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology CTO of Turin, with a monoaxial external fixation device. Mean age at surgery, type of fracture, mean follow-up, time and modalities of treatment, non-weight bearing period, average healing, external fixation removal time, and complications were reported. Results: The average patient age was 31.43±15.19 years. In 37 cases (42.53%) the right femur was involved. 73 (83.91%) fractures were closed, and 14 (16.09%) were open. The average follow-up time was 61.07±21.86 weeks.  In 68 (78.16%) fractures the fixation was carried out in the first 24 hours, using a monoaxial external fixator. In the remaining 19 cases, the average delay was 6.80±4.54 days. Mean non-weight bearing time was 25.82±27.66 days (ranging from 0 to 120). The 87 fractures united at an average of 23.60±11.37 weeks (ranging from 13 to 102). The external fixator was removed after an average of 33.99±14.33 weeks (ranging from 20 to 120). Reported complications included 9.19% of delayed union, 1.15% of septic non-union, 5.75% of malunion, and 8.05% cases of loss of reduction. Conclusions: External fixation of femoral shaft fractures in polytrauma is an ideal method for definitive fracture stabilization, with minimal additional operative trauma and an acceptable complication rate.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongfeng Sheng ◽  
Weixing Xu ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Hongpu Song ◽  
Di Lu ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED The retrospective study of Taylor's three-dimensional external fixator for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures provides a theoretical basis for the application of this technology. The paper collected 28 patients with tibiofibular fractures from the Department of Orthopaedics in our hospital from March 2015 to June 2018. After the treatment, the follow-up evaluation of Taylor's three-dimensional external fixator for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures and concurrency the incidence of the disease, as well as the efficacy and occurrence of the internal fixation of the treatment of tibial fractures in our hospital. The results showed that Taylor's three-dimensional external fixator was superior to orthopaedics in the treatment of tibiofibular fractures in terms of efficacy and complications. To this end, the thesis research can be concluded as follows: Taylor three-dimensional external fixation in the treatment of tibiofibular fractures is more effective, and the incidence of occurrence is low, is a new technology for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures, it is worthy of clinical promotion.


2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 732-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Golubovic ◽  
Zoran Vukasinovic ◽  
Predrag Stojiljkovic ◽  
Zoran Golubovic ◽  
Sonja Stamenic ◽  
...  

Introduction. Open segmental fractures of the tibia are rare but severe injuries. In these fractures the wide zone of injury (damage of all structures of the lower leg) creates very unsuitable biological conditions for healing of the fracture. Objective. The aim of our work was to present the results of treatment of patients with segmental open fractures of the tibia treated by external fixation. Methods. We analyzed treatment results of 21 patients with open segmental tibial fractures who were treated using the method of external fixation at the Clinical Center Nis from January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2010. The average age of the patients was 53 years; the youngest patient was 27 years and the oldest one 80 years. According to the Gustilo open fracture classification, there were 3 (14.3%) type I, 6 (28.6%) type II, 8 (38.1%) type IIIA, and 4 (19.0%) type IIIB. All the patients were treated by a unilateral type Mitkovic external fixator by Traffix Company. Results. Union was attained in 16 (76.2%) fractures without severe complications (pseudoarthrosis, chronic osteitis and angular deformities of over 10 degrees). Among severe complications associated with open segmental tibial fractures, in two cases we registered septic pseudoarthrosis, in one aseptic pseudoarthrosis and in two large angular deformities of the tibia after union, with a valgus of over 10 degrees and extremity shortening of over 2 cm which required additional surgery. Conclusion. External fixation by the use of Mitkovic external fixator is one of the methods of choice in the treatment of open segmental tibial fractures, which incorporated with antibiotic therapy provides good biomehanical conditions for segmental fracture healing that enables good stability of the segmental tibial fracture and decreases the risk of deep infections.


2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasa Milenkovic ◽  
Milorad Mitkovic ◽  
Mile Radenkovic

Aim. To present the possibility of a successful use of external skeletal fixation in treating the open and closed tibial shaft fractures with Mitkovic?s external fixator. Methods. External fixation was used in 115 patients with 118 fresh tibial shaft fractures, 82 males (71.3%) and 33 females (28.7%), average age 43.92 years (16?84). Open tibial shaft fractures were present in 37 (31.36%). All the fractures were treated with Mitkovic?s external fixator type M 20. Results. The results of external fixation were excellent or good in 94.07% of the cases, and bad in 5.08%. Pin tract infection appeared in 7 (5.93%) patients. In only 3 cases an external fixator was removed and treatment continued with the functional braces. Nonunion occurred in 6 (5.08%) patients, of which 4 were with open fractures (2 Gustilo type IIIB, 1 Gustilo type IIIA, 1 Gustilo type II) and 2 with the segment fractures. Compartment syndrome was observed in 1 (0.85%) patient with closed fracture. Malunion was found in 2 (1.69%) patients. Conclusion. External fixation of tibial shaft fractures is a simple and effective method to enable the safe healing of fractures, early mobilization of the patients, early weight-bearing, as well as early rehabilitation. Fixation of tibial shaft fractures was unilateral with convergent pins orientation, and there was also a possibility of compression and distraction.


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