Abstract
A laboratory cadaveric model, developed previously for the study of currently employed external fixation devices used for unstable pelvic fractures was used to evaluate rigidity improvements associated with a number of fixation design innovations. Based on quasistatic shearing displacements measured at the sacro-iliac joint and symphysis pubis disruption sites, otherwise identical anterior frameworks constructed on 5 mm fixation halfpins, rather than upon standard 4 mm halfpins, were able to sustain markedly (58% to 210%) greater loadings. A new and very simple traingular framework was designed and constructed for which the fixation rigidity was found to rival that of much more complex and cumbersome double anterior frames. When used as the posterior component of combined anterior/posterior fixation systems, a new double cobra-type (internal) plate allowed the injury model pelvises to sustain near-physiological load levels. A pair of dynamic compression plates attached across a disrupted symphysis pubis was found to be a biomechanically acceptable substitute for an anterior external fixator.
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Rubash, H.E., Brown, T.D., Nelson, D.D. et al. Comparative mechanical performances of some new devices for fixation of unstable pelvic ring fractures. Med. Biol. Eng. Comput. 21, 657–663 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02464027
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02464027