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Related Experiment Videos

External fixator for the hand: a quick, cheap and effective method.

S J McCulley1, C Hasting

  • 1Hand Surgery Unit, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa. gul@iafrica.com

Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
|May 7, 1999
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces an inexpensive external fixation method for severe hand fractures using readily available IV cannula sheaths and K-wires. The technique offers excellent stability, promoting bone healing and early motion, especially when standard fixators are unavailable.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Trauma management
  • Biomedical engineering

Background:

  • External fixation is valuable for complex hand fractures, especially highly comminuted ones.
  • The cost and availability of standard mini external fixator sets can be limiting.
  • Alternative methods are sought to manage these injuries effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present an alternative, low-cost external fixation device for hand injuries.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of this novel fixation method in patients with severe fractures.

Main Methods:

  • An "alternative" external fixator was constructed using the disposable sheath of an intravenous (IV) cannula as a crossbar.
  • The cannula sheath was secured by Kirschner wires (K-wires) acting as pins.

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  • This method was applied to eight patients with highly comminuted fractures, including those from gunshot wounds.

    • Main Results:

    • The technique proved inexpensive, simple, and quick to apply.
    • Achieved good bone union and maintained optimal bone length.
    • Provided excellent stability, facilitating early patient mobilization and range of motion exercises.

    Conclusions:

    • This alternative external fixation method is a viable option for managing severe hand fractures.
    • It is particularly recommended in resource-limited settings or when standard fixator sets are inaccessible.
    • The technique offers a cost-effective and efficient solution with favorable clinical outcomes.