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The Field Expedient Extremity Tower (FEET).
Daniel J Stinner1, Glenn J Kerr, Jospeh R Hsu
1San Antonio Military Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, 3851 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA. daniel.stinner@gmail.com
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|March 26, 2013
Summary
The Field Expedient Extremity Tower (FEET) is a versatile, radiolucent device for lower extremity surgeries. It aids in various orthopedic procedures, even in remote settings, and can be repurposed as an external fixator.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Device Design
Background:
- Limited access to specialized equipment in austere environments hinders advanced orthopedic procedures.
- Existing positioning devices may lack versatility or radiolucency required for complex lower extremity surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe the Field Expedient Extremity Tower (FEET), a novel, multipurpose radiolucent lower extremity positioner.
- To highlight the adaptability and utility of the FEET as an intraoperative aid in diverse orthopedic scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Construction of the FEET using readily available external fixator parts.
- Application of the FEET in various lower extremity surgical procedures, including intramedullary nailing, plating, skin grafting, and debridement.
- Demonstration of the FEET's dual functionality as a positioning device and a reusable external fixator.
Main Results:
- The FEET proved to be a versatile and effective radiolucent positioning aid for multiple lower extremity surgical interventions.
- Surgeons in austere environments can utilize the FEET to perform complex orthopedic procedures with modern techniques.
- The device's modular design allows for easy breakdown and repurposing as an external fixator, enhancing its value.
Conclusions:
- The Field Expedient Extremity Tower (FEET) offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution for lower extremity surgery, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- This innovative device expands surgical capabilities by providing a radiolucent, multipurpose positioning system that can be readily converted to an external fixator.
- The FEET represents a significant advancement in intraoperative aids for orthopedic surgeons facing challenging environments.
