Related Experiment Videos
Rapid application fracture fixators - an evaluation of mechanical performance
T N Gardner1, H Simpson, J Kenwright
1Oxford Orthopaedic Engineering Centre, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK. trevor.gardner@ooec.ox.ac.uk
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|February 27, 2001
Summary
The Pinless and Centrafix fixators show low mechanical performance for tibial fractures in emergency scenarios. Neither fixator is recommended for weight-bearing or stretcher-bearing applications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic biomechanics
- Trauma surgery
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Pinless and Centrafix fixators offer rapid application for fractures in austere environments.
- These devices aim for use without specialized electrical equipment or imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mechanical performance of Pinless and Centrafix fixators.
- To compare their stiffness, load capacity, and fatigue strength against conventional fixators.
Main Methods:
- Comparative laboratory study measuring fixator stiffness and strength.
- Testing conducted under simulated walking and stretcher-bearing loading conditions.
Main Results:
- Both fixators exhibited low stiffness and strength during simulated walking.
- Centrafix also showed low performance during simulated stretcher-bearing.
Conclusions:
- The mechanical performance of Pinless and Centrafix fixators is insufficient for weight-bearing or stretcher-bearing in emergency settings.
- These rapid application fixators are not recommended for unstable tibial fractures under load.