Abstract
External fixators represent one of the most versatile tools in the armamentarium of an orthopaedic surgeon. Modernization in the frame design and advancement in surgical techniques have broadened their scope of application, especially in pelvic injuries. A thorough understanding of the underlying biomechanical principles is, therefore, quite essential. One of the most important factors determining the fixation and pull out strength of a fixator construct is the design and diameter of the Schanz pin. In recent times, pedicle screw constructs in supra-acetabular configuration (InFix) are increasingly being tried as an alternative to traditional Schanz pin constructs. The insertion technique is minimally invasive and avoids problems associated with conventional pelvic external fixator frames. Despite their significant biomechanical advantage and ease of insertion, pelvic pedicle screw constructs have problems of rod insertion which can cause significant complications. The choice and configuration of a pelvic external fixation construct should therefore be tailored to an individual patient’s body habitus and injury profile in a targeted goal directed manner for optimal stabilization and fixation of an unstable pelvic injury.
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Elhence, A., Gupta, A. (2023). External Fixation in Pelvi-acetabular Implantology. 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_95
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