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Updated: May 23, 2026
Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
[Over thirty years of experience with Hoffmann external fixation in paediatric orthopaedics and traumatology]
1Service d'Orthopédie-Traumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles. jean.quintin@erasme.ulb.ac.be
Insights
External fixation is a versatile technique for treating complex pediatric fractures, including those with multiple injuries or neurovascular damage. This method promotes stable healing and callus formation, offering a favorable outcome for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Traumatology
Context:
- The Erasme University Hospital has a history of utilizing external fixation in pediatric trauma.
- External fixation has evolved for treating complex pediatric fractures.
Purpose:
- To present the historical development and expanding indications of external fixation in pediatric traumatology.
- To highlight the effectiveness of external fixation for specific pediatric fracture types.
Summary:
- External fixation is indicated for polytraumatized children, open fractures, and fractures with neurovascular compromise.
- Its application has extended to diaphyseal femoral fractures in school-aged children.
- The technique provides stable osteosynthesis and elastic fixation, promoting rapid callus formation.
Impact:
- External fixation offers a stable and mechanically favorable method for pediatric fracture healing.
- Supra-condylar elbow fractures in children can be effectively managed using humero-ulnar distraction external fixation.
- This approach leverages ligamentotaxis for improved fracture reduction and stability.
Abstract:
The development at the Erasme University Hospital of external fixation in paediatric traumatology is presented following a diachronic order. External fixation is particularly indicated in the polytraumatized child, and/or in the case of an open fracture or of a fracture with associated neuro-vascular lesion. The indications of external fixation have been broadened to diaphyseal femoral fractures occurring at school age. The obtained osteosynthesis is stable and--in the case of an adapted mounting--elastic enough to allow the rapid constitution of a periosteal callus, which is mechanically favourable. The supra-condylar fractures of the elbow of the child may be treated by humero-ulnar distraction external fixation, following the principle of ligamentotaxis.
