The external fixator in the treatment of osteoarticular infections of the hand
Allieu, Y.; Ginouves, P.; Gomis, R.; Jacoulet, P.
Annales de Chirurgie Plastique et Esthetique 32(1): 64-69
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0294-1260 PMID: 2438983 Document Number: 295734
The authors present their work on external fixation in the treatment of osteoarticular infections of the hand. They review 38 cases treated over a period of 12 years. This procedure has limited indications. It must only be used in very rare cases (38 cases over 12 years). External fixation presents three advantages: it allows care and dressing and at the same time the segmental immobilization permits cutaneous healing. In cases of osteoarthritis, arthrodesis is easier. Indeed the compression which is allowed by this system shortens the time of fusion. After bone resection, total osteolysis, the length of the finger which is essential at the level of the thumb can be maintained by distraction.