Distal Radius Fracture: Compound Injury Stabilized with Hoffman II External Fixator

A distal radius fracture is a common type of wrist injury that can result from a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident, among others. This type of fracture is characterized by a break in the radius bone at the wrist joint, which can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

While some wrist fractures can be treated non-surgically with immobilization, others require surgical intervention to stabilize the broken bone fragments and promote healing. One surgical technique that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of external fixators, such as the Hoffman II External Fixator, to stabilize the fracture and aid in the healing process.

What is a Hoffman II External Fixator?

A Hoffman II External Fixator is a type of external fixation device used to stabilize fractures in the wrist and hand. Developed by Michael S. Hoffman, MD, this device consists of a series of metal pins or wires inserted into the bone above and below the fracture site. The pins are then connected to an external frame that holds the bones in place.

This type of external fixation device offers several benefits over traditional methods of immobilization, including improved stability, better alignment of the bones, and less risk of complications such as infection and nerve damage.

Surgical Technique for Distal Radius Fracture using Hoffman II External Fixator

The surgical technique for stabilizing a distal radius fracture using a Hoffman II External Fixator involves several steps:

Step 1: Anesthesia

Before the procedure, the patient receives general or regional anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery.

Step 2: Positioning

The patient is positioned on an operating table with the injured arm placed on a hand table. The surgical team then applies a tourniquet to reduce bleeding during the procedure.

Step 3: Incision

Once the patient is properly positioned, the surgeon makes a small incision over the fracture site to access the bone.

Step 4: Reduction

The surgeon aligns the bone fragments and checks the position using fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray imaging).

Step 5: Pin Placement

Using a guide wire, the surgeon inserts pins or wires into the bone above and below the fracture site. The placement of the pins is critical to ensure the proper alignment and stability of the bone fragments.

Step 6: Frame Assembly

The pins are then connected to an external frame using connecting rods and clamps. The frame is adjusted to ensure the proper alignment of the bones.

Step 7: Closure

Once the external fixator is in place, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures or staples.

Step 8: Recovery

After the surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room for monitoring. A rehabilitation program may be prescribed to help regain strength and mobility in the affected arm.