DYNAMIZATION OF TIBIAL FRACTURES

We studied the effect of 'dynamisation' on tibial fractures in six pat ients treated by the Dynamic Axial Fixator. In the early stages, peak cyclic movement at two to four weeks averaged 0.75 mm (0.19 to 1.02) o n the medial side of the bone and 0.86 mm (0.21 to 1.25) on the latera l side. The amount of movement correlated with the applied load and th e fracture stiffness, After unlocking the fixator column at six weeks, progressive closure of the gap averaged 1.3 mm (0.1 to 3.5). Cyclic m ovement is produced by early weight-bearing with the fixator column lo cked. Progressive closure occurs after unlocking the column, and is of ten associated with a reduction in cyclic movements. The effects of dy namisation on movement at the fracture site should be defined separate ly, in terms of cyclic movement and of progressive closure.