Johannes Frank1,2, Bernd Gritzbach3, Christian Winter4, Bernd Maier4, Ingo Marzi4. 1. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. J.frank@trauma.uni-frankfurt.de. 2. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. J.frank@trauma.uni-frankfurt.de. 3. General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, Surgical Clinic, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. 4. Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: When using intramedullary nailing of femur fractures false axis alignment or malrotation is the greatest deterrent to successful reduction often causing extended x-ray exposure and the need to revert to an open procedure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the advantages of using a trauma navigation system during intramedullary nailing of femur fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fluoroscopic navigation unit was used and successful closed fracture reduction, x-ray exposure, and operation time were measured. Between 2004 and 2007 19 patients receiving intramedullary nailing of femur fractures using a Stryker trauma navigation system were included in the study. The results were compared to 10 conventionally operated femur fractures between 2003 and 2006. RESULTS: The study demonstrated an important reduction of radiation time and less needs for reverting to open reduction. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings we conclude that the use of a trauma navigation system during fracture reduction has clear advantages. These are based primarily on its ability to provide 3-dimensional viewing of the fracture during the reduction procedure. This eliminates the need for multiple positioning adjustments of the x-ray C-arm from horizontal to vertical for better viewing and in doing so reduced radiation time and needs for open reduction.
INTRODUCTION: When using intramedullary nailing of femur fractures false axis alignment or malrotation is the greatest deterrent to successful reduction often causing extended x-ray exposure and the need to revert to an open procedure. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the advantages of using a trauma navigation system during intramedullary nailing of femur fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fluoroscopic navigation unit was used and successful closed fracture reduction, x-ray exposure, and operation time were measured. Between 2004 and 2007 19 patients receiving intramedullary nailing of femur fractures using a Stryker trauma navigation system were included in the study. The results were compared to 10 conventionally operated femur fractures between 2003 and 2006. RESULTS: The study demonstrated an important reduction of radiation time and less needs for reverting to open reduction. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings we conclude that the use of a trauma navigation system during fracture reduction has clear advantages. These are based primarily on its ability to provide 3-dimensional viewing of the fracture during the reduction procedure. This eliminates the need for multiple positioning adjustments of the x-ray C-arm from horizontal to vertical for better viewing and in doing so reduced radiation time and needs for open reduction.
Authors: W J Viant; R Phillips; J G Griffiths; T O Ozanian; A M Mohsen; T J Cain; M R Karpinski; K P Sherman Journal: Proc Inst Mech Eng H Date: 1997 Impact factor: 1.617