Circular hexapod external fixation for periprosthetic tibial fracture

• Main Authors: Michael J. Assayag, MD, FRCSC, Noam Bor, MD, Guy Rubin, MD, S. Robert Rozbruch, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2018-06-01
• Series: Arthroplasty Today
• Subjects: Periprosthetic fracture; Arthroplasty; Gradual correction; External fixation; Taylor spatial frame; Total knee arthroplasty
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352344117300274

A poor soft tissue envelope often accompanies periprosthetic tibia fracture around a well-fixed total knee arthroplasty and the tibial stem leaves little room for screw fixation. This article describes the practicability and effectiveness of a novel surgical technique using circular hexapod external fixation, in patients with this clinical scenario. It was applied for fixation of periprosthetic tibia fracture in 2 patients. Contact between the external fixation pins and the prosthesis was avoided. Using a web-based software program, a gradual reduction in all planes was achieved. Adequate fixation, stability, reduction, and quick healing were obtained in the 2 cases, with minimal complications. The patients returned to their activity level a few months after external fixation removal.