Modular Use of External Fixation Configurations for Treatment of Complex and Severely Injured Limbs

Abstract

Treatment of modern, traumatic, high-energy injuries requires rapid answers to different kinds of problems that may emerge when using external fixation systems: excessive soft tissue transfixation, insufficient reduction or stabilization of the bone fragments, and connection between different fixation frames. We propose the use of simple, universal intersystem connections between various components from standard sets of external fixators such as tubular, circular (Ilizarov) or hybrid systems. By these combinations, orthopedic surgeons achieve good results using the advantages of each system with further possibilities to resolve problems faced in unusual cases of orthopedic trauma. This allows to build such universally adaptable and stable modular fixation frames with maximum suitability for each clinical case.