Development and clinical application of an external fixator monitoring system.
A monitoring system for measuring movement occurring in a dynamic external fixator used to treat fractures is described. The system measures shortening during fracture healing, micromovement at the fracture site on weight bearing and detects pin loosening. The method of calibration including cadaver experiments is presented. The clinical application is described and the reasons for measuring movement are discussed.
Kay
P R
PR
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Park Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Ross
E R
ER
Powell
E S
ES
D001858:Bone Nails; D002138:Calibration; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009068:Movement; D014159:Transducers