Abstract
The Ilizarov external mini-fixator (IEMF) has become an effective tool for the treatment of acute and chronic hand and foot injuries and deformity correction due to its advantages of easy fixation, good holding power, and artful appearance. However, there are relatively few clinical reports on this technique. Materials and methods From June 2019 to March 2021, we preformed IEMF on 113 patients with open phalanx fractures as emergency surgery, and all patients had 3–6 months follow-up. Results All fractures achieved clinical healing. Among them, pin site infection occurred in 8 fractures (7.07 %), arthrolysis occurred after 6 fractures (5.3 %), and 4° rotation malunion occurred in 3 cases (2.65 %).
Highlights
Chongqing Greatwall Hospital introduced the Ilizarov external mini-fixator (IEMF) devices in June 2019, and has treated 113 open phalanx fractures so far (March 2021)
Pin-site infection occurred in 8 fractures (7.07 %), which was stopped with oral antibiotics and wire cleaning; arthrolysis occurred in 4 fractures (5.3 %), which were improved by functional rehabilitation; and rotation malunion of 4° occurred in 3 cases (2.65 %)
Key Technical Points Based on the clinical practice of IEMF technique in the treatment of phalangeal fractures, we summarize the key technical points as follows: (1) Entry angle of the wire: the angle between the wire and the surface of the cortical bone should be close to or equal to 90°, and pierce the wire “parallel” or 45° to the palm plane
Summary
The Ilizarov external mini-fixator (IEMF) has become an effective tool for the treatment of acute and chronic hand and foot injuries and deformity correction due to its advantages of easy fixation, good holding power, and artful appearance. Materials and methods From June 2019 to March 2021, we preformed IEMF on 113 patients with open phalanx fractures as emergency surgery, and all patients had 3–6 months follow-up.
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