Lecture 3: Principles of Ortho Surgery 2 (Exam 1) Flashcards
How are external skeletal fixators versatile
Can be used for long bone fractures, corrective osteotomies, joint arthrodesis, & temporary joint immobilization
When are external skeletal fixators not used
- Not indicated for articular fractures
- Rarely used for pelvic & spinal fractures
What fixator is good for stabilization after a closed reduction of comminuted fractures
External skeletal fixators
What is the functional period for external fixators
- Varies depending on frame constructed
- Related to onset of pin loosening
How are linear external fixation framed classified
- Number of planes occupied by the frame
- Number of sides of limb from where the fixator protrudes
What are the common linear external fixator frames
- Unilateral-uniplanar (type Ia)
- Unilateral biplanar (type Ib)
- Bilateral uniplanar (Type II)
- Bilateral biplanar (Type III)
What the diff btw/ max type II frames & min type II frames
- Max frames are filled w/ full pins
- Min frames are constructed w/ min of 2 full pins
Label the following
Describe the Type III
- Type II + Ia (montage)
- Interconnected for strength
- Stiffest configuration
Describe half pin placement
Penetrates both cortices but only one skin surface
Describe full pin placement
Penetrate both cortices & skin surfaces
Label the following
Describe linkage devices (clamps)
- Join fixation pins to connecting bars & connecting bars to each
- Larger holes are for external connecting bars (Bottom arrow)
- Smaller holes in the bolts are for fixation pins (top arrow)
Label the following clamps
How can the strength & stiffness of external fixators be increased
- Predrill before inserting pos profile threaded pins
- Increase the pin #
- Increase the pin size
- Locate the pins near joints & near fracture
- Decrease distance btw/ bone & pin-clamp interface
- Increase connecting bar size or use augmentation plates
- Increase # & planes of connecting bars
- Tie IM pin into fixator frame
What is the max pin # & pin size that can be used for external fixators
- # - up to 4 pins
- Size - Up to 25% of bone diameter
How are fixation pins inserted
- Expose pin insertion site
- Center pin in bone
- Predrill pin hole
- Insert pin w/ low RPM power
- Release incision around pin to prevent skin tension
- Pin drilled into bone @ the point of greatest cross sectional diameter (trocar point exits far cortical surface 2 to 3 mm)
What are circular external fixators (rings) used for
- Stabilize fractures
- Compress nonunions or distract fractures
- Transport bone segments
- Dynamically correct bone angular & length deformities
What are ring fixators unique for & why
- For controlled distraction of bone segments
- Creates new bone formation in trailing pathways (distraction osteogenesis)
What do small diameter tensioned wires do
- Provide stability to bone segments
- Allows axial micromotion @ fracture site w/out compromising fixator stability
What is this
Circular external fixators
What are the types of intramedullary fixations
- Intramedullary pins (IM)
- Kirschner wires (“K” wires)
- Interlocking nail
What are IM pins used for
Diaphyseal fractures in the humerus, femur, tibia, ulna, & MC/MT bones
When should IM pins not be used
They are contraindicated for the radius b/c the insertion point of pin interferes w/ the carpus