Hoffmann External Fixation in the Treatment of the Fractures of the Tibia

Han, Dae Yong; Kim, Sung Jae; Kang, Eung Shick; Kim, Jung Sun

Abstract

External fixation was improved in its devices and techniques as a specific method of fracture treatment. It was possible to immobilize the fractures firmly with the use of Vidal modified Hoffmann external fixation and could be used effectively in difficult fractures with severe soft tissue injury. From October 1981 to December 1983, 28 patients of tibial fracture who had been treated with Hoffman external fixation at Severence Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine were studied. The results are summerized as follows: 1. The age of patients varied from 14 to 66 years old, the majority (53.6%) being between 20 to 39 years old and males comprized 89.3%. 2. Traffic accidents and machinary injuries comprized 96.4%. 3. Average duration with Hoffmann frame was 16.6 weeks and average time of bone union was30.1 weeks. 4. Many complications were noticed but majority were related to personalities of the fractures, not due to Hoffmann external fixation itself. 5. Hoffmann device was relatively easy and quick to apply: sufficient stability was obtained: reasonable anatomic reduction of major fragments was possible: facilitated treatment and care of polytr- aumatized patients. 6. Secondary operations, e,g., bone grafting and even plastic surgery, had been possible without necessitating removal of the device. 7. It was useful in open fractures with severe soft tissue tissue injury and also in taking care of further necessary managements.