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Dynamic "Homemade" Digital External Fixators for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Injuries
Aakash Chauhan1, Jakub Sikora-Klak1, Reid Abrams1
1Division of Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|May 13, 2018
Summary
This study explores using simple, inexpensive hardware like K-wires and dental rubber bands to create "homemade" digital external fixators. It details the surgical techniques and indications for these cost-effective devices.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Digital external fixators are crucial for treating complex hand and foot fractures.
- Traditional external fixator devices can be expensive and inaccessible in certain settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the indications for using "homemade" digital external fixators.
- To detail the surgical techniques for constructing and applying these devices using readily available materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing K-wires and dental rubber bands for constructing external fixator frames.
- Describing the assembly process and adaptation to specific digital fractures.
- Illustrating surgical application and post-operative management.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated feasibility of creating functional digital external fixators from inexpensive hardware.
- Highlighted the adaptability of the "homemade" device for various fracture patterns.
- Emphasized the potential for cost reduction in orthopedic treatment.
Conclusions:
- "Homemade" digital external fixators offer a viable, cost-effective alternative for fracture management.
- The described techniques provide a practical solution for resource-limited environments.
- Further research could explore long-term outcomes and broader applications.