title: A new application technique of circular fixator for the treatment of open tibial fractures: circular fixator-hinge technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study is to present and validate a hinge-fixator technique for the treatment of open tibial fractures, which has advantages in application and the follow up period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The technique was used in open tibia fractures of 14 adult patients. Using this method, initial anatomic reduction was achieved and temporary stability was obtained on the hinge-fixator after applications were completed. Patients' radiological and clinical results were analyzed using the Paley's criteria at the time of the last follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients were brought in for followed up analysis over a 5.4 year period. According to Paley, two patients had 'good' and 12 patients had 'excellent' radiological results, while the functional result were excellent (n=13) and good (n=1), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hinge-fixator technique is a fast and easy method that contributes to shorter operation times, reduced radiation exposure, and more comfortable treatment periods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone and Joint Disease Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey. bilalbirkandemir@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Bilal
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Demir
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone and Joint Disease Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sökücü
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone and Joint Disease Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Erdem
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ozden
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone and Joint Disease Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Umut
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Yavuz
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone and Joint Disease Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Serda
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Duman
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Metin Sabancı Baltalimanı Bone and Joint Disease Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Yavuz Selim
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kabukçuoğlu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult