Our contribution to the external fixation in traumatology.

The experience is summarized in using the method of external fixation (Stuhler-Heise from Aesculap, Poldi 7, Ilizarov's compressory distractive devices) in the traumatology of extremities within 5-year lasting period. Starting from june 1985 to July 1990, the amount of 90 open fractures of long bones has been managed (10.2% of all fractures admitted). Open fractures related to III. grade by Gustilo's classification were 20 in number, i.e. 22.0% of all open fractures admitted with anatomical distribution as follows: 50% crural, 25% humeral, 15% forearm and 10% femoral locations. The EF device was applied in 11 cases, i.e. 55%. Primary amputations were done in 4 cases, i.e. 20%. The EF application period averaged for 64 days. One case showed primary healing of EF treated fractures. The remaining cases attributed an exchange of the type of osteosynthesis or were supplemented with plastic surgery on the soft tissues and bone. Another group of 36 pseudoarthroses of long bones were operated on within the mentioned period, from them 9 cases as infected ones were treated with EF method. Once the infection has been healed, the authors proceeded with surgery and EF exchange in all cases when treating pseudoarthroses. Third--the group of 18 nonstabile intraarticular fractures of distal radius treated by means of EF is presented. The advantages of individual EF methods are discussed, and the comprehensive care approaches are presented in documental groups of injuries as illustrated with the short case-reports.