title: The Field Expedient Extremity Tower (FEET).
abstract: The field expedient extremity tower (FEET) is a versatile multipurpose radiolucent lower extremity positioner, which can be constructed from readily available external fixator parts and employed as an intraoperative aid for a variety of lower extremity cases. Examples include intramedullary nailing of the tibia, retrograde nailing of the femur, open or percutaneous plating of the distal femur and proximal tibia as well as skin grafting and wound debridements involving the posterior thigh, leg, and foot. In addition, it allows surgeons in austere environments to perform a wide variety of cases employing modern orthopedic techniques with this dual purpose liquid asset which can readily be broken down and reused as an external fixator if needed.
authors.affiliation: San Antonio Military Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, 3851 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA. daniel.stinner@gmail.com
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Stinner
authors.forename: Glenn J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: Jospeh R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hsu
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*