Skeletal Stabilisation

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-56
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Mutual Understanding ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Skeletal Stability

In this chapter we draw upon published evidence and the experience of the authors to provide guidance in stabilisation for open tibial fractures. Most orthopaedic surgeons have, through their training, reached higher levels of proficiency and expertise in methods of internal fixation than with external fixation. The difference reflects the greater number of fractures treated with internal fixation methods. Spanning external fixation should provide skeletal stability without impeding access for plastic surgical procedures. This combination of prerequisites has to be met through a mutual understanding of bony and soft tissue requirements at first debridement and at definitive treatment of the open fracture. Many fixator configurations used currently and even advocated for in external fixator manuals simply fail to meet these requirements. Consequently, we provide a clear rationale for the recommendations made and encourage adoption of the principles described.

Ankle spanning external fixator with limited internal fixation for distal tibial extra-articular fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 4355
Author(s):  
Siddharth Goel ◽  
Abhay Elhence
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Tibial Fractures ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Ankle Pain ◽  
Distal Tibial Fractures ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: Fractures of the distal tibia are among the most difficult fractures to treat. The short distal segment presents difficulty in choosing the appropriate fixation method. The greatest challenge lies in the relatively tight soft tissue around the ankle. As a result, it has been a recent interest in treating these fractures with external fixation and limited internal fixation. The external stable fixation methods used are tubular or ring fixators, with or without immobilising the ankle. This minimally invasive nature of the surgery can avoid catastrophic wound complications like dehiscence, implant exposure and infection.Methods: 18 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO Type 43A) were treated with the technique of ankle spanning external fixation. Lag screws or K-wires were supplemented for limited internal fixation when required. Fibula was stabilised in all cases. Intra- articular and Compound fractures were excluded. In addition to union at fracture site, ankle pain and motion was noted in each follow-up.Results: The mean follow-up was 25 months. Of the 18 patients included all but one fractures united with an average healing time of 16 to 18 weeks. Ankle pain and motion was graded according to Mazur modified by Teeny and Wiss clinical scoring system. 15 of them had excellent or good results, 2 had fair results. One patient had poor result. Five pin tract infections occurred. 17 patients had no evidence of osteoarthritis after completing follow up of at least 2 years.Conclusions: Distal tibial fractures are complex injuries, not only regarding the bony component, but also in terms of the management of the soft tissue problem. Ankle Spanning External Fixator with Limited Internal fixation is a relatively simple and cost-effective method for treating these fractures, achieving union and also maintaining ankle function.

scholarly journals “Fixator-assisted Nailing” Technique for Closed Segmental Tibia Shaft Fracture with Extensive Soft Tissue Injury – A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek M Sodhai ◽  
Chetan V Pradhan ◽  
Parag K Sancheti ◽  
Ashok K Shyam
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Soft Tissue Injury ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Soft Tissue Injuries ◽  
Definitive Treatment

Introduction: Segmental tibia fractures with extensive soft tissue injuries are rare and surgical intervention is challenging with no definitive treatment strategies. Case Report: A 52-year-old man presented with closed right segmental tibia and fibula fracture with extensive blistering of skin caused due to road traffic accident. Distal pulses were palpable and there were no signs of compartment syndrome and other systemic injuries. In the presence of extensive blistering, a monoplanar external fixator was applied within 24 h of injury. 3 weeks later, skin condition was conducive for internal fixation, and closed intramedullary multi-locking nailing was performed using the external fixator for reduction. Fracture healed at 15 months and patient had an excellent functional outcome with full knee range of motion at 2-years follow-up without any complications. Conclusion: Fixator-assisted nailing is a simple, minimally invasive, and easily reproducible technique that is useful in reducing the fracture and preventing axial rotation of the intercalary segment minimizing the damage to the periosteal blood supply. Our case also highlights the importance of temporary external fixator in soft tissue healing and making the skin conducive for internal fixation. Keywords: Devascularization, fixator-assisted nailing, intercalary segment, rotational displacement, segmental tibial fracture.

scholarly journals An Alternative Site for Pin Placement in External Fixation of Pelvic Fractures: Lateral Posterior Pelvic External Fixator Surgical Technique

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias K. Russ ◽  
Pierre Navarre ◽  
Jarrad P. Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Pelvic Fractures ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Lateral Posterior ◽  
Insertion Sites

Introduction: The application of an external fixator for unstable pelvic fractures is an important component of many resuscitation protocols. Moreover, certain pelvic fractures may be treated with an external fixator without requiring further internal fixation. We report our initial clinical results with an alternate pelvic external fixator site, the lateral posterior external fixator (LPEF), and describe the surgical technique.Methods and Materials: From 2010 to 2013, we identified 27 consecutive patients (mean age 44.6 years, range 18–80 years) treated by the same surgeon (MKR) with an LPEF in a level 1 trauma center. Retrospective data collection included mechanism of injury, surgical interventions, and complications.Results: The LPEF was used in 16 patients as acute pelvic stabilization and converted at a median of 2 days (interquartile range 1–3.5) to internal fixation, whereas in 10 patients, it was used as definitive treatment and removed at a median of 48 days (interquartile range 37–64). One patient died on day 14, secondary to his severe closed head injury. The only surgical complications were two wound infections (20%, 2/10 in the group of definitive LPEFs), which resolved without sequelae after the removal of the LPEF (at 36 and 50 days) and antibiotics, one case of loss of fixation leading to the removal of the LPEF at 71 days, and one patient who had hypergranulating external fixator sites and eventually healed without any cutaneous sequelae. All fractures consolidated in a good position.Discussion: The described techniques of pelvic external fixation include the anterosuperior (iliac wing), supra-acetabular (anteroinferior), and subcristal (anterior superior iliac spine) insertion sites. The reported infection rates in definitive pelvic fracture treatment range from 20 to 40%. Due to the localization of the insertion sites, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is potentially at risk with the last two techniques. On the other hand, the LPEF insertion site is quite safe, as it is anatomically far from any nerves and the inguinal region, and allows easy access for laparotomy. The results in this series suggest that the lateral posterior pelvic external fixator technique is an alternative to previous techniques with a low risk of complications.

Clinical Value of Computer-Assisted Taylor Three-dimensional External Fixation in the Treatment of Tibiofibular Fracture (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongfeng Sheng ◽  
Weixing Xu ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Hongpu Song ◽  
Di Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Clinical Value

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.

scholarly journals Can a linear external fixator stand as a surgical alternative to open reduction in treating a high-grade supracondylar humerus fracture?

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-141
Author(s):  
Barak Rinat ◽  
Eytan Dujovny ◽  
Noam Bor ◽  
Nimrod Rozen ◽  
Guy Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Open Reduction ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Supracondylar Humerus Fractures ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Humerus Fractures ◽  
Carrying Angle

Objective High-grade pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are commonly treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with percutaneous pinning. When this fails, open reduction followed by internal fixation is the widely accepted procedure of choice. Use of a lateral external fixator was recently described as an optional procedure, but evidence is scarce. Methods We investigated the outcomes of upper limbs treated by either open reduction with internal fixation or closed reduction and external fixation. Results Twenty-one patients completed the long-term follow-up; 11 underwent open reduction, and 10 underwent external fixation. Most patients in both groups reported excellent satisfaction. In both groups, the modified Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was extremely low and the average elbow range of motion was almost identical. Radiographic analysis consisting of Baumann’s angle and the carrying angle revealed no statistical difference between the two groups. Discussion Optional treatment using a linear external fixator for complex nonreducible supracondylar humerus fractures yielded acceptable clinical and radiographic results, as with open reduction. Our sample size was small, but the promising results may assist in the implementation of an alternative surgical procedure, especially in more complicated cases involving flexion-type fractures or severe soft tissue damage and swelling.

scholarly journals Open Reduction Internal Fixation versus External Fixation with Limited Internal Fixation for Displaced Comminuted Closed Pilon Fractures: A Randomised Prospective Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Rayan Ahmed ◽  
Kotb Ahmed ◽  
M. Elmoatasem Elhussein ◽  
Samir Shady ◽  
Tamer A. El-Sobky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Open Reduction ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Pilon Fractures

Background Pilon fractures involve the dome of the distal tibial articular surface. The optimal treatment for high-energy pilon fractures remains controversial. Some authors advocate the use of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to avoid articular incongruence. Others advocate the use of bridging external fixation with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) to reduce soft tissue complications. Literature reports of prospective studies comparing the radioclinical outcomes of ORIF and EFLIF in high-energy fractures are scarce. Retrospective studies have their limitations because of insufficient randomisation. The objective of this randomised prospective study is to compare the clinical, radiologic and functional outcomes of displaced and comminuted closed pilon fractures, Rüedi and Allgöwer type II and III, treated by either ORIF or EFLIF. Materials and Methods Forty-two patients were selected for the study. Twenty-two patients were subjected to ORIF and 20 patients were subjected to EFLIF. We used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score as a standard method of reporting clinical status of the ankle. Patients were followed-up clinically and radiologically for over 2 years after the surgical treatment. Results The results of ORIF and EFLIF in treatment of high-energy pilon fractures are equally effective in terms of functional outcomes and complication rates on the short term. Conclusion Soft tissue integrity and fracture comminution seem to have a significant influence on outcomes of intervention. A prospective multicentre study with a larger sample size that controls for other associated variables and comorbidities is warranted. Level of evidence Level II.

scholarly journals Integrated Reconstruction for Chronic Foot Dislocations

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0012
Author(s):  
Douglas N. Beaman ◽  
Cassandra B. Tomczak ◽  
Paul T. Fortin
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Deep Infection ◽  
Taylor Spatial Frame ◽  
Fixation Methods ◽  
Spatial Frame

Category: Hindfoot; Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Chronic dislocations of the hindfoot and midfoot are a treatment challenge due to difficulties in achieving re-alignment without bone or soft tissue compromise. Neuropathy and diabetes are often associated with the chronic foot dislocation, and further complicate treatment. Our prior studies with integrated fixation methods (ring external fixation and internal fixation) for severe tibia pilon fractures and deformed, infected neuroarthopathic ankles has shown that internal fixation around the ankle can be safely combined with external fixation in single stage procedures.In this study, a staged approach is utilized to limit bone resection and minimize risks of soft tissue compromise and neurovascualar injury with severe and rigid defomity corrections. The purpose is to assess the results and complications of this surgical treatment approach. Methods: Medical records, clincal evaluation, and radiographs for 9 patients treated with gradual hexapod realignment and staged arthrodesis of chronic foot dislocations were retrospectively reviewed. There were six female and three male patients with a mean age of 59 (range, 43-71) years. Follow-up ranged from 12 months to 12 years. All had neuropathy; seven were diabetic, one CMT, one idiopathic, and one rheumatoid. Dislocation was present for a minimum of 16 weeks (range, 4 to 36 months). Seven patients had preoperative ulcerations. Seven had peritalar dislocations (subtalar and talonavicular), and two had midfoot dislocations (naviculocuneiform-1, talonavicular-1).Treatment protocol included: Surgical stage 1- soft tissue releases and Taylor spatial frame application; gradual correction of dislocation; Surgical stage 2-open arthrodeses with internal fixation and frame modification or removal. Results: All nine patients achieved a stable plantigrade and functional foot position. All fusions healed except for one talonavicular nonunion. All preoperative ulcerations healed. Six patients with peritalar dislocations had frame modification at the time of arthrodesis (mean frame time was 5.9 months). Three patients had frame removal at time of arthrodesis (mean frame time was 3 months). Average time from hexapod realignment to arthrodesis surgery was 8 (range, 3-16) weeks.Outcome with the Reinker/Carpenter scale was 5 excellent, 2 good, and 2 fair. Two peritalar dislocations developed complications; one talonavicular nonunion, and one deep infection. Other complications included further surgery in two midfoot dislocations, two forefoot wire complications, and one ankle deformity during peritalar correction. Conclusion: Staged integrated realignment/arthrodesis for chronic neuropathic foot dislocations resulted in good clinical outcomes with manageable complications. The Taylor spatial frame miter and butt constructs were successful in reducing hindfoot and midfoot dislocations, respectively. There was reliable fusion and ulcer healing with our staged protocol. This case series furthers our successful clinical results with the combined use of ring external fixation and internal fixation methods for complex foot and ankle pathology.

External Fixation of Unstable Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures

1992 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. W. PARSONS ◽  
J. A. W. FITZGERALD ◽  
J. R. SHEARER
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Non Union ◽  
The Stability ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Phalangeal Fractures

A prospective study of the management of 30 patients with 37 unstable or complex metacarpal or phalangeal fractures treated with the “Shearer” micro-external fixator was carried out over an 18-month period. The stability achieved, with minimal soft-tissue tethering, allowed early joint mobilisation with good or excellent function in 94% of metacarpal and 85% of phalangeal fractures by nine weeks. There were no cases of non-union and few complications.

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