COST EFFECTIVE INNOVATIVE DEVICE FOR MANAGEMENT OF PERIPHERAL LIMB MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Abstract

The external fixation has been an established method in management of musculoskeletal disorders. Various prototypes are available Majority of these have specific application in trauma specially soft tissue injuries, infections and non unions. The Illizarov fixator is probably the most versatile of these with application in majority of congenital and acquired musculoskeltal disorders. However, very few of these devices are useful in management of disorders of writ, hand, foot and ankle mainly because of their size, weight, complexities of technique and patient acceptance. This paper deals with innovative mini external fixator device which is a modular system. The device is light weight, simple to use and is modular. The technique offers static and dynamic distraction, has short learning curve, light in weight and patient friendly. The device is useful in congenital conditions like CTEV, radial club hand, ulnar club hand and lengthening of meta carpals and meta tarsals. It is also useful in acute and neglected trauma including infections in forearm, wrist, hand, ankle and foot. Its special indication extends to its application in upper tibial plateau fractures as neutralization device. The basic unit with a small clamp which off loads the deforming forces in the bone by purchase of a simple K wire 1.2 to 2.5 mm and is connected to outer rod which knurled. The device has been mechanically tested and is found to be strong ad safe for use in clinical practice. The stability of device has been tested on Instrom 6556 testing machine for pull out and crush strength proving its safety in clinical use. We have used this device in clinical practice on about 3000 patients and have found t be very useful, simple and cost effective. The paper presents the basic design, biomechanics, basic special techniques and its clinical application. The paper includes example case presentation and its application.