title: Use of the "S" Quattro dynamic external fixator in the treatment of difficult hand fractures.
abstract: Thirty-seven patients were treated over a 7-year period using the "S" Quattro dynamic external fixator. There were 30 intra-articular and nine extra-articular fractures. Patients were reviewed at an average of 22.5 months. The average total range of motion for the affected digit at follow-up was 232 degrees for intra-articular and 241 degrees for extra-articular fractures. We believe that this device is a simple, reliable technique in the treatment of these difficult fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Vincents Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland. hmullett@indigo.ie
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Mullett
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Synnott
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nöel
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography