Effect of callus development on the deformation of external fixation frames.

Purpose: We designed a sensor that measures the bending moments at the articulations and the torque of the rod of a Hoffmann II® external fixation. We considered the effect of the callus formation in the stabilisation of a "fracture-fixation system."

Methods: Four Hoffmann II® frame configurations were mechanically tested.

Results of open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness. A series of 22 cases.

Severe posttraumatic elbow stiffness represents a significant invalidity. Between 1990 and 2005 two surgeons performed open elbow arthrolysis in 30 adult patients (6 women, 24 men, mean age 30.8 years).

Histopathology of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in sickle cell disease.

This study compares the histopathology of bone biopsies from patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia (homozygote SS) to heterozygote patients (SA) and homozygotes with aseptic osteonecrosis (AA). The sensitivity to bacterial infection of sickle cell patients raises the question of the aetiology of sepsis in the onset of the necrosis. To our knowledge this study is the first to analyse the histopathology of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, at its early stages, in sickle cell anaemia.

Shoulder arthrodesis using combined internal and external fixation: a review of 9 cases.

A technique of shoulder arthrodesis is presented. Fixation of the arthrodesis combines scapulohumeral half-frame Hoffmann external fixation and internal fixation using a cancellous screw. Cancellous bone autografts are packed at the site of arthrodesis.

Mini external fixation for hand fractures and dislocations: The current state of the art.

External fixation devices for the hand provide a versatile approach to various hand injuries. Some fractures and dislocations urge the use of an external minifixation; in other fractures, external minifixation must be seen as an alternative or companion to other methods of hand stabilization. MiniFix is useful to maintain or restore hand function and hand anatomy.

Surgical treatment of ankle fractures by pneumatic stapling: clinical experience and review of the literature.

Between June 1987 and December 2002, 237 cases of malleolar fractures were treated at Erasme Hospital using pneumatic stapling, alone or combined with another type of fixation. This retrospective study addresses 176 well-documented cases. The mean follow-up period was 36 months.

Functional and outcome evaluation of the hand and wrist.

The first evaluation of the upper extremity and hand, performed by the surgeon at the outpatient clinic, is fundamental to understanding the patient's problem, determining the best treatment options, and, in the case of a surgical indication, assessing the preoperative status. In addition to recording the patient's symptoms and complaints, the surgeon evaluates anatomic integrity, stability, mobility, trophicity, strength, and sensibility. In many patients, especially patients with severe handicaps or those who anticipate long delays in rehabilitation, in litigation problems, or as part of prospective clinical research, this classic evaluation is not sufficient.