title: [Comparative stability studies with the modified Stellbrink external fixator].
abstract: We replaced original Stellbrink-fixator clamps with adjustable horizontal and vertical clamps. Thus, smaller bone fragments can be fixed and there is a possibility to correct their position after application of the fixator. This study compared the primary stability of different constructions by defined flexibility loadings in four-point bending. Statistical evaluation was done by the student-t-test. When used as compression osteosynthesis, the original Stellbrink fixator is the most stable (100%), whereas the modified fixator reaches only 90% of the stability of the original. The better stability of the original Stellbrink fixator only becomes significant when the flexion becomes greater than 13 degrees. Used for distance osteosynthesis, the original Stellbrink fixator is significantly more stable. Clinical examples are presented.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Allgemeine und Abdominale Chirurgie, Westpfalz-Klinikum Kaiserslautern.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schäfer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mittelmeier
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation; D011859:Radiography; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology
vernacular_title: Vergleichende Stabilitätsuntersuchungen am modifizierten Stellbrink-Fixateur externe.