BIOMECHANICS OF THE GAZI TYPE PELVIS EXTERNAL SKELETAL FIXATOR

External skeletal fixation is an alternative method of treatment to co nventional therapy and open surgical procedures in pelvis fractures. T he appropriate type of frame and the configuration of the connecting b ars of these fixators are under investigation. In the Gazi type pelvis external fixator (GPEF) which has been developed, a 70 degrees angula tion is applied to the connecting bars of the anterior quadrangular fr ame. This configuration, which is expected to improve the stability of the posterior column of the pelvis, was evaluated biomechanically on a phantom with various types of pelvic fractures and separations. The results suggest that the GPEF effectively controls anterior column pel vis fractures such as unilateral pubic ramus fractures, unilateral isc hium pubis rami fractures and symphysis pubis separations under vertic al loads. The fixator is partially capable of stabilizing the posterio r column; however, loads above 700 N cause separation at the fracture site. Further studies and clinical trials are essential to determine t he GPEF's effectiveness in reducing blood loss and in providing stabil ity at the posterior column.