Bending stiffness of unilateral and bilateral fixator frames.
The structural and geometric fixator properties that best neutralize the prevailing anteroposterior and transverse bending moments at a tibial fracture site were analyzed in anatomic specimens. Clinically and mechanically, anterior unilateral frames were most effective, particularly when applied with relatively stiff components with a maximal spread between the pins in each main bony fragment and with placement of the longitudinal rod close to the tibia.
D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*