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Small external fixation devices for the hand and wrist
F Schuind1, W P Cooney, F Burny
1Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Small external fixators offer versatile solutions for hand and wrist injuries. These devices stabilize fractures, manage bone loss, and aid in finger lengthening, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Hand and wrist fractures require effective stabilization and treatment.
- Existing methods may have limitations in specific complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and detail the applications of small external fixators for hand and wrist conditions.
- To highlight the versatility of these devices in orthopedic trauma and reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Review of the design and application of small external fixator systems.
- Analysis of clinical indications and outcomes for hand and wrist fixation.
Main Results:
- Small external fixators are indicated for open/infected fractures, non-unions, and segmental bone loss in metacarpals and phalanges.
- The devices facilitate distraction-lengthening of fingers and can be used for various other fractures and osteotomies.
Conclusions:
- Small external fixators provide a valuable, adaptable tool for managing complex hand and wrist orthopedic issues.
- These devices offer solutions for stabilization, length restoration, and corrective procedures in the hand and wrist.