DYNAMIC EXTERNAL FIXATOR FOR THE WRIST

摘要

A device used for fixation of a distal fracture of the radius including a proximal limb fixed to a radius and a distal limb fixed to the metacarpal is described. Fixation of the device is accomplished by means of transcutaneous bone fixation pins (52) intended to penetrate the skin so that threaded ends (68) of the pins (52) may be secured into holes driven into the bone parts. The other ends of the fixation pins (52) are connected to the proximal (15) and distal (1) legs of the external fixator. The two legs (1, 15) of the external fixator are connected by an articulating mechanism comprised of the combination of a hinge mechanism (42) in series with a track-track housing mechanism (43). The track-track housing mechanism (43) allows for radial ulnar deviation and may be adjusted to limit the degree of radial ulnar deviation of the wrist. The hinge (42) allows for flexion and extension of the wrist and may be adjusted to limit the degree of flexion and extension of the wrist. The articulating mechanism allows for the kinematics for the normal wrist to be recreated and coordinated by use of the invention.