Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Stability of the original Hoffmann and AO tubular external fixation devices

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Published:
Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Detailed data of the stability of external fixation devices are needed by the orthopaedic surgeon to predict successful healing of a fracture. The stability (rigidity, yield and failure criteria) of four half-frame configurations (single, stacked, double and delta) of the original Hoffmann and AO tubular frame have been analysed under four loading conditions: axial compression, torsion, and both AP- and ML-bending. Overall the two systems' rigidities were the same between similar configurations. Both systems' single half-frames were particularly weak; however, as the number of components (rods, pins, clamps, couplings) on the frame increased, the rigidity of the frame increased. The difference in performance between the two systems lies in their yield and failure characteristics. The AO system exhibited excellent failure criteria in all modes of loading, i.e. no configuration failed within the test limits, whereas most Hoffman frames yielded and failed at low loads.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Armstrong, R. D., Finlay, J. B. andRorabeck, C. H. (1985) Slippage in the Hoffmann universal joints. Proc. 9th Ann. Meeting of Am. Soc. Biomech., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 95–96.

  • Armstrong, R. D., Finlay, J. B. andRorabeck, C. H. (1986) Pin-bone interface stresses in external fixation: a reflective photo-elastic analysis. Proc. 32nd Ann. Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, New Orleans, Louisiana,11, 338.

    Google Scholar 

  • ASTM (1985) Standard test method for static bending properties of metallic bone plates. ASTM Designation: F382-81. In1985 Annual book of ASTM standards; Volume 13.01, medical devices.Priemonstorer, R. A. (Ed.), ASTM, Philadelphia, 90–93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berenson, M. L., Levine, D. M. andGoldstein, M. (1983) One-way ANOVA: completely randomized design, multiple comparisons and contrasts. InIntermediate statistical methods and applications.Gueterman, K. andPalumbo, B. (Eds), Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 53–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs, B. T. andChao, E. Y. S. (1982) The mechanical performance of the standard Hoffmann-Vidal external fixation apparatus.J. Bone & Joint Surg.,64-A, 566–575.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chao, E. Y. S., Kasman, R. A. andAn, K. N. (1982) Rigidity and stress analyses of external fracture fixation devices—a theoretical approach.J. Biomech.,15, 971–983.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Egkher, E., Martinek, H. andWielke, B. (1980) How to increase the stability of external fixation units. Mechanical tests and theoretical studies.Arch. Orthop. Traumat. Surg.,966, 35–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, M., Kenwright, J. andTanner, K. E. (1979) Analysis of single-sided external fracture fixation.Eng. in Med. 8, 133–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finlay, J. B., Moroz, T. K., Rorabeck, C. H., Davey, J. R. andBourne, R. B. (1987) Stability of 10 configurations of Hoffmann external fixation frames.J. Bone & Joint Surg.,69-A, 734–744.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodship, A. E. andKenwright, J. (1985) The influence of induced micromovement upon healing of experimental tibial fractures. ——Ibid.,67-B, 650–655.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, S. A. (1981) InComplications of external skeletal fixation, Causes, prevention and treatment. C. C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karaharju, E. O. andAalto, K. (1983) The deformation of external fixation devices during loading.Int. Orthop. 7, 179–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kempson, G. E. andCampbell, D. (1981) The comparative stiffness of external fixation frames.Injury. 12, 297–304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pope, M. H. andEvans, M. (1982) Design considerations in external fixation. InConcepts in external fixation.Seligson, D. andPope, M. H. (Eds), Grune & Stratton, New York, 109–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheffe, H. (1953) A method of judging all contrasts in the analysis of variance.Biometrika,40, 87–104.

    Article  MATH  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Seligson, D. andStanwyck, T. S. (1982) The general technique of external fixation. InConcepts in external fixation.Seligson, D. andPope, M. H. (eds), Grune & Stratton, New York, 79–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shiba, R., Chao, E. Y. S. andKasman, R. (1984) Fatigue properties of the Hoffmann-Vidal external fixation apparatus.Orthopaedics,7, 443–456.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tencer, A. F., Claudi, B., Pearce, S., Bucholz, R. W. andJohnson, K. D. (1984) Development of a variable stiffness external fixation system for stabilization of segmental defects of the tibia.J. Orthop. Res. 1, 395–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Western Ontario, University Hospital, Station ‘A’, PO Box 5339, N6A 5A5, London, Ontario, Canada

    T. K. Moroz, J. B. Finlay, C. H. Rorabeck & R. B. Bourne

Authors
  1. T. K. Moroz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. B. Finlay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. C. H. Rorabeck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. R. B. Bourne
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Moroz, T.K., Finlay, J.B., Rorabeck, C.H. et al. Stability of the original Hoffmann and AO tubular external fixation devices. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 26, 271–276 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02447080

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02447080

Keywords

Search

Navigation