EXTERNAL FIXATION FOR COMMINUTED PHALANGEAL FRACTURES - A BIOMECHANICAL CADAVER STUDY

The mechanical rigidity obtained by external fixation in a comminuted phalangeal fracture model was assessed and the results compared with t wo other types of internal fixation commonly used (lateral plate and c rossed Kirschner wires) in a biomechanical cadaver study. Each fixatio n technique was tested in apex palmar bending, compression and torsion , The results showed that lateral plating provided the best rigidity i n apex palmar bending and compression and that external fixation and K irschner wires showed the same mechanical properties, For the torque t est, external fixation provided the best rigidity.