Simple External Fixator Research Articles

Interfragmentary lag screws and external fixation for severe open tibial fractures: a biomechanical and clinical study

The stability offered by the interfragmentary lag screw with a unilateral external fixator frame was studied in both experimental and prospective clinical studies. The in-vitro stability of the fixation with and without the interfragmentary lag screw was tested by a universal testing machine in compression, four-point bending, and torsion in 18 human tibiae. The in-vivo study was conducted prospectively in 18 patients with 19 severe open tibial fractures. All patients were treated with one definite surgical procedure on admission. The interfragmentary lag screw increased the sytem stiffness 47.4 times in compression, 9.9 times in bending, and 3.2 times in torsion. The immediate one-stage care of severe open fractures with a simple external fixation system in combination with the interfragmentary lag screw shortens hospitalization and may enhance healing.

Simple external fixation of open and complicated fractures

Thirty patients were managed with the use of a simple means of external fixation. Ten of these patients had multiple injuries. In 18 the fractures were open. Five cases had loss of bone length and infected wounds when first seen and were treated with the aid of microvascular surgical procedures. Eight cases required skin grafting. One case required a vein graft to the popliteal artery. The method described is simple to use. It requires little previous experience and is cost effective. We recommend its use in the initial treatment of grade 2 and 3 open fractures. It may also be used on closed unstable fractures, and will maintain limb length in severe injuries with loss of bone substance while further treatment is considered or performed.

Al-Rasheed Military Hospital external fixation system for compound missile wounds of bone

This paper describes our experience of 340 cases of open fracture treated at the Al-Rasheed Military Hospital with a simple external fixation device.

Simple external fixatlon system formed with Methyl Methacrylate or Polyester and its biomechanical aspects

In this study, Polyester resin was experimented tor to obtain a simple external fixation system. It was found that, Polyester resin is a secure and unexpensive material for making a simple external fixation system. The comparative biomechonical results between Methyl Methacrilate and Poiyester resin were given.