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Hexapod External Fixation for Fractures and Nonunions

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Hexapod External Fixator Systems

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Abstract

The technique of circular external fixation has been widely applied to treat an array of orthopaedic pathologies, including acute fractures and fracture nonunions. The evolution of this technology has led to many exciting new applications and designs: the hexapod—a highly sophisticated frame with six adjustable struts attached to rings that relies on the principle of projective geometry. The hexapods are currently used in acute fracture management and several indications for the use in complex clinical scenarios (open fractures, bone deficiencies, difficult fracture reductions and soft-tissue deficits) do exist. Furthermore, a key role for hexapods is in fracture nonunion management: hypertrophic, atrophic and infected nonunions all have very diverse aetiologies but all may be effectively managed with the hexapod frame. We present a number of complex cases that were treated surgically by the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service in our institution. The wide variation of challenging scenarios that may be treated effectively with the hexapod frame demonstrates the versatility and efficacy of this technology in current orthopaedic practice.

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Abbreviations

HA:

hydroxyapatite

IM:

intramedullary

N/mm:

Newton/millimeter, unit of measurement of rigidity

TSF:

Taylor Spatial Frame

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA

    Gerard A. Sheridan, Austin T. Fragomen & S. Robert Rozbruch

Authors
  1. Gerard A. Sheridan
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  2. Austin T. Fragomen
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  3. S. Robert Rozbruch
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gerard A. Sheridan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “Sapienza” - University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Marco Massobrio

  2. Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, “Città di Pavia” Institute University Hospital, School of Medicine, Pavia, Italy

    Redento Mora

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Sheridan, G.A., Fragomen, A.T., Rozbruch, S.R. (2021). Hexapod External Fixation for Fractures and Nonunions. In: Massobrio, M., Mora, R. (eds) Hexapod External Fixator Systems. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40667-7_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40667-7_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-40667-7

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