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Implantology of Fractures of the Foot

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Handbook of Orthopaedic Trauma Implantology

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Abstract

This review looks at orthopaedic implants used for fractures of the foot. A number of developments in the type of implants, biomaterials, and their evolution are described together with their scientific principles. Progress in imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, CT scans, and MRI have allowed possible closed visual access to regions which previously required an open surgical procedure. The AO group has had an important role in the development of lag screws, tension band wires and low contact dynamic compression plates (LCDCP), and the less invasive stabilization system (LISS) plate.

Titanium and titanium alloys have improved screw strength, allowed smaller size and lower profile plates with the option of locking and non-locking screws. Fractures previously thought too difficult to fix with older implants are now possible to stabilize with these newer implants.

The foot and ankle is a multi-segmental functional unit which has to withstand great mechanical forces of compression and torsion. It must provide a rigid structure that allows weight bearing and an efficient lever arm for propulsion. Implants used for fracture fixation therefore need to withstand great forces while bone healing occurs and avoid fatigue failure with fracture displacement, malunion, and non-union.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital Foundation Trust, Oswestry, Shropshire, UK

    Nilesh Makwana

  2. Trauma and Orthopaedic Specialist Trainee, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital Foundation Trust, Oswestry, Shropshire, UK

    Salam Ismael

Authors
  1. Nilesh Makwana
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  2. Salam Ismael
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nilesh Makwana .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. NH Narayana Superspeciality and Multispeciality Hospitals, Howrah, West Bengal, India

    Arindam Banerjee

  2. Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Peter Biberthaler

  3. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India

    Saseendar Shanmugasundaram

Section Editor information

  1. Columbia Asia Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    Saumitra Misra

  2. Columbia Asia Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    Rajiv Chatterjee

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Makwana, N., Ismael, S. (2023). Implantology of Fractures of the Foot. In: Banerjee, A., Biberthaler, P., Shanmugasundaram, S. (eds) Handbook of Orthopaedic Trauma Implantology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7540-0_86

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7540-0_86

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-19-7539-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-19-7540-0

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