A Simple and Low-Cost External Fixator for Infected Hand Injuries

Wijffels, Mathieu M E; Patel, Anand; Bartlema, Kees; Rahimtoola, Zulfiquar O.

doi:10.1007/s12593-012-0069-8

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Constructs that have been made only by pin and cement (13,22) have been reported, but the probability of loosening increases due to the minimum contact area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Novel Handmade External Fixator for Phalangeal and Metacarpal Fractures

Jafari

Ajvadi

2016

Shafa Ortho J

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Background: The value of external fixation in complex hand injuries is well established. Expenses and technical difficulties of commercial mini external fixator sets have led to the innovation of handmade external fixators. These fixators are used as versatile facilities to treat certain hand fractures. Usually, these structures are made by k-wires crossed filled with cement plastic tube. However, these fixators have multiple deficiencies that should be addressed. Objectives: In this study, we described in detail the surgical technique of a handmade concrete like mini external fixator and report its clinical use and results. Methods: Our handmade external fixator was applied for 52 patients with 56 fractures. Only 5% of the fractures were closed, noncomminuted extra-articular, and the other 51 fractures were more complex injuries. The mean follow up time was 9.3 months. At the end of the follow up, radiologic and functional assessment (DASH: Disability of arm, shoulder and hand and TAM: Total active motion) was evaluated. Results: All 56 fractures were united completely. None of the cases experienced pin loosening or reduction loss. Of the fractures, 8.9% malunited due to fracture complexity. The mean dash score was 3.76. TAM was excellent in 45% of the fractures; it was good in 7% and fair in 4%. Conclusions: This type of handmade external fixator is simple, lightweight, and cheap. Furthermore, all implements are readily available in most operating fields. The probability of loosening has been greatly diminished because of the concrete like structure. Easy and fast assembly and good clinical and functional results are the other advantages of this technique. Due to the less complication and benefits, this technique could be used for many phalangeal and metacarpal fractures with confidence.

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“…Constructs that have been made only by pin and cement (13,22) have been reported, but the probability of loosening increases due to the minimum contact area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several formal mini external fixators are available in the market, but various improvised techniques have been described as cheap simple and effective alternatives (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). These fixators are low profile, cost-effective and readily available in emergency situations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Handmade External Fixator for Phalangeal and Metacarpal Fractures

Jafari

Ajvadi

2016

Shafa Ortho J

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“…The use of external fixation for the treatment of this condition has been reported in the past as a means of temporary joint distraction, or for secondary fusion procedures 1–7…”

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confidence: 99%

One-stage Distal Interphalangeal Joint Fusion With External Fixator for the Treatment of Septic Joint Arthritis

Couceiro¹,

Sanchez-Crespo²,

Ayala³

et al. 2021

Techniques in Hand &Amp; Upper Extremity Surgery

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Septic joint arthritis in the small joints of the hand can be caused by penetrating trauma, ruptured ganglion cysts, or open joint dislocations, among others. The use of external fixation for the treatment of this condition has been reported in the past as a means of temporary joint distraction, or for secondary fusion procedures. In the present article, the authors describe a surgical technique involving the use of a low-cost external fixator for the primary arthrodesis of infected distal interphalangeal joints of the hand. The external fixator is fabricated with simple materials, threaded Kirshner wires, bone cement, and an insulin syringe, which the authors have used to fuse the distal interphalangeal joint primarily when destroyed by septic arthritis.

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