Apparatus for treatment of fracture and malunion of the distal radius

摘要

An external fixation apparatus for applying force against a single isolated plane of deformity in the distal radius for fracture treatment, and which can be used to avoid the need for a bone graft to correct a distal radius malunion. A pair of laterally spaced-apart circular rings are coupled by three rods extending between the rings. Z- shaped brackets are used to offset each of the rods distal to the distal ring, and each rod is pivotally coupled to a Z-shaped bracket by a ball joint. One of the rods is also coupled to a gear mechanism and functions as a pushrod that provides for adjustment of the spacing between the rings along the axis of the pushrod. Each ring carries a radius fixation mechanism, and an optional metacarpal fixation mechanism can be attached to the distal side of the distal ring. An optional ulnar fixation mechanism can also be attached to the proximal ring.