Interfragmentary lag screws and external fixation for severe open tibial fractures: a biomechanical and clinical study.

The stability offered by the interfragmentary lag screw with a unilateral external fixator frame was studied in both experimental and prospective clinical studies. The in-vitro stability of the fixation with and without the interfragmentary lag screw was tested by a universal testing machine in compression, four-point bending, and torsion in 18 human tibiae. The in-vivo study was conducted prospectively in 18 patients with 19 severe open tibial fractures.

Surgical treatment of fractures of the capitellum in adults: a modified technique.

Five adults with fractures of the capitellum (Hahn-Steinthal type) were treated by a modified improved technique of open reduction and internal fixation in 1988 and 1989. Full range of motion was achieved in all cases at 4 months.

Immediate care of crush injuries and compartment syndromes with the split-thickness skin excision.

Prospective evaluation of the one-stage procedure in 32 patients who suffered from 37 severe friction-avulsion injuries was carried out. Most injuries (81%) were in the lower extremity. Split-thickness skin excision was used for immediate diagnosis of flap vascularity and wound coverage.