CMC external fixator

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma management
• Medical device engineering

Background:

• Immobilization of wounded extremities is crucial for reducing pain, shock, and further injury from bone fragments.
• Effective external fixation in austere environments requires rigidity, simplicity, and wound accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the CMC (Croatian Medical Corps) external fixator for use in war and natural disaster situations.
• To assess the suitability of the CMC external fixator as a cost-effective and user-friendly device for emergency limb immobilization.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new external fixator by Prof. Korzinek in collaboration with "Instrumentarija" Zagreb.
• The CMC external fixator comprises bars, clamps, and Schanz screws, with standard packings CMC-30 and CMC-40.
• Designed for both temporary transport immobilization and definitive fixation in challenging settings.

Main Results:

• The CMC external fixator ensures effective immobilization of wounded extremities during transport and treatment.
• The device's design allows for appropriate wound treatment due to its low volume.
• The fixator can be resterilized and reused, contributing to its practicality.

Conclusions:

• The CMC external fixator is a practical and applicable device for managing extremity injuries in war and natural disaster scenarios.
• Its simplicity makes it manageable for surgeons with varying experience levels.
• The device offers an acceptable price point and facilitates wound care, making it a valuable tool in resource-limited settings.