A Novel Uni- and Biplanar External Fixator for Initial and Definitive Complex Foot Trauma

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma management
• Limb reconstruction

Background:

• Complex foot trauma presents challenges in definitive management due to soft tissue compromise.
• Internal fixation may be implausible in severe cases, necessitating alternative stabilization methods.
• External fixators offer stability but evidence for their definitive use in foot trauma is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of simple external fixation as a definitive treatment for complex foot trauma.
• To assess outcomes in patients where progression to internal fixation was not possible.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 10 adult patients with severe, complex foot trauma.
• Initial reduction and stabilization using an external fixator designed for distal radius fractures.
• External fixator maintained throughout the treatment course.

Main Results:

• All 10 patients achieved fracture healing with restoration of foot column length.
• One patient developed chronic osteomyelitis.
• One-year follow-up showed moderate residual impairment in pain, disability, and daily activities (Foot Function Index).

Conclusions:

• Simple external fixation can serve as a reasonably effective definitive treatment for complex foot trauma.
• This approach is a viable option when internal fixation is contraindicated or not feasible.