There are three basic types of external fix- ators: standard uniplanar fixator, ring fixator, and hybrid fixator.

What are the types of external fixation?

There are three basic types of external fix- ators: standard uniplanar fixator, ring fixator, and hybrid fixator.

How do you treat a PIP joint?

Available treatment options include immobilization, protected motion, traction, open reduction and internal fixation, buttress reconstruction, joint arthroplasty, or arthrodesis. By principle, stable PIP joint fracture dislocations can be treated non-surgically if closed reduction can restore a normal AOM.

How is PIP joint dislocation treated?

PIP joint dislocation is mostly stable after reduction and is treated by dorsal splinting in 30° of flexion. Volar PIP dislocations are least common, but the reduction of the volar PIP joint dislocation is usually successful.

What is dynamic external fixation?

DIGITAL EXTERNAL FIXATORS ARE a means of. treating comminuted fractures at the base of. the middle phalanx or unstable proximal. interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture dislocations.

What is external fixator leg?

What Is an External Fixator? An external fixator is a metal frame that holds bones in place. It has small rods (called pins) that go through the skin and into the bone. The external fixator used for limb lengthening has adjustable bars (called struts) that are turned to slowly lengthen the bone.

How is external fixation done?

External fixation is accomplished by placing pins or screws into the bone on both sides of the fracture. The pins are secured together outside of the skin using a series of clamps and rods known as the external frame.

How long does it take for a PIP joint to heal?

After approximately three to four weeks, the joint should heal enough to remove the splint and begin strengthening exercises. Our physiotherapist will develop a personalized exercise program to help you recover the range-of-motion and strength in your fingers.

Can you break your PIP joint?

A PIP joint injury is often painful, swollen and bruised around the joint. The finger’s range of movement can decrease due to the pain and swelling. If the PIP joint has been dislocated, it will appear deformed.

How do I stop a dislocation from PIP?

Volar PIP dislocations are the least common, but the reduction of the volar PIP joint dislocation is generally successful. The reduction takes place by applying mild traction with the PIP and MCP joints held in slight flexion. After the reduction of the volar dislocation, apply extension splint for six weeks.

What is Hemi hamate arthroplasty?

Abstract. Purpose: Hemi-hamate resurfacing arthroplasty is a treatment alternative for the management of severe acute and chronic dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) fracture-dislocations. This study was designed to determine whether this procedure would successfully restore function after such injuries.

How painful is external fixator?

The average pain prior to fixator removal was of 3.61. Shortly after the procedure, the patients reported that, on average, the most intense pain scored 6.68, and the least intense pain, 2.25 points. The average pain variation was of 4.43 points, and pain after 1 week scored, on average, 2.03 points.

What happens after external fixator is removed?

After removal of the external fixator, the pin sites are not sutured closed, but are allowed to heal. They usually will close over within four to six days and small scars form. Sometimes these scars are large and dimpled and other times they heal with minimal scarring.

Is dynamic distraction external fixation effective for unstable fracture-dislocations of the PIP joint?

The purpose of this clinical investigation was to retrospectively review use of dynamic distraction external fixation (DDEF) for unstable fracture-dislocations and pilon injuries of the PIP joint in an active-duty population. Methods: The fixator is assembled under a local anesthetic from three 1.4-mm (0.045-inch) K-wires and rubber bands.

Is there a dynamic external fixator for middle phalangeal pilon fractures?

Dynamic external fixation for PIP fracture-dislocations Figure 10 AP (A) and lateral (B) radiographs showed a middle phalangeal pilon fracture of the index finger with extreme articular displacement. An intraoperative photograph (C) was taken after the application of external fixator.

What is the alternative fixator for unstable PIP joint fractures?

Methods:Thirteen patients with acute unstable PIP joint fracture-dislocation (n = 8), pilon fracture (n = 2), or comminuted shaft fractures of a middle phalanx with or without PIP joint extension (n = 3) were enrolled. The alternative fixator used a plastic syringe to maintain distraction force instead of the commonly used rubber bands.

What is the treatment for unstable fracture-dislocations of the interphalangeal joint?

Use of dynamic distraction external fixation for unstable fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint Therapeutic IV. Therapeutic IV. Use of dynamic distraction external fixation for unstable fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint