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Abstract
The results of tibial fracture fixation for 50 unstable closed and open fractures,
using the dynamic axial fixator (DAF) and the limb axial alignment grid have been
assessed both clinically and radiologically. Each patient has been carefully followed
up in a dedicated clinic and each procedure was conducted or directly supervised by
the senior author. All patients achieved union, although 16 per cent required a further
procedure such as bone grafting or fibula osteotomy to secure this and a further 6
per cent were revised to intramedullary nails. There was a malunion rate of 16 per
cent, but no patients requested further treatment for functional problems. The incidence
of pin-site infection was 10.4 per cent, each patient taking responsiblity for their
own pin-site care. There were no deep infections. The results achieved in this series
compare favourably with those of other treatment modalities for this fracture, which
may often be difficult to manage. Given the stringent adherence to the important principles
of fixator application and well supervised follow-up which are practised on this unit,
we believe that the results as presented here may well represent the limit achievable
with this device. Furthermore, the authors would recommend that the technique remains
an important option in tibial fracture management, particularly for the unstable closed
and open fractures.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 5,
1997
Identification
Copyright
© 1997 Published by Elsevier Inc.
