[Stable joint-bridging extension of malleolar dislocations and pilon fractures with the AO pinless external fixator].
The pinless external fixator, introduced into clinical practice for open tibial fractures, suggested itself for use as a traction substitute because of its pinless frame. The aim of this feasibility study was to replace the conventional calcaneal pin traction by a joint-bridging pinless fixator, inserted under local anesthesia. 10 patients with 6 malleolar dislocation fractures, 3 pilon tibial and 1 open distal tibial fracture were immobilised by a joint-bridging pinless fixator during 10.4 days (5-16 days) till swelling had subsided and definitive fracture treatment, consisting of plate fixation, took place. The implantation of the joint-bridging pinless fixator in local anaesthesia was well tolerated by all patients. This traction substitute offered good patient comfort and easy care. Although the provided stability was less than a conventional fixator, all patients were able to lift up their fractured extremity without pain.
Departement Chirurgie, Kantonsspital Basel.
R
R
Babst
N
N
Renner
R
R
Rosso
A
A
Marx
M
M
Heberer
P
P
Regazzoni
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
Stabile gelenküberbrückende Extension von Malleolarluxations und Pilonfrakturen mit dem AO Pinless Fixateur Externe.