Low-cost locally manufacturable unilateral imperial external fixator for low- and middle-income countries
File(s)fmedt-04-1004976.pdf (8.85 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Treating open fractures in long bones can be challenging and if not performed properly can lead to poor outcomes such as mal/non-union, deformity, and amputation. One of the most common methods of treating these fracture types is temporary external fixation followed by definitive fixation. The shortage of high-quality affordable external fixators is a long-recognised need, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This research aimed to develop a low-cost device that can be manufactured locally to international standards. This can provide surge capacity for conflict zones or in response to unpredictable incidents and situations. The fixator presented here and developed by us, the Imperial external fixator, was tested on femur and tibia specimens under 100 cycles of 100 N compression-tension and the results were compared with those of the Stryker Hoffmann 3 frame. The Imperial device was stiffer than the Stryker Hoffmann 3 with a lower median interfragmentary motion (of 0.94 vs. 1.48 mm). The low-cost, easy to use, relatively lightweight, and easy to manufacture (since minimum skillset and basic workshop equipment and materials are needed) device can address a critical shortage and need in LMICs particularly in conflict-affected regions with unpredictable demand and supply. The device is currently being piloted in three countries for road traffic accidents, gunshot wounds and other conflict trauma—including blast cohorts.
Date Issued
2022-11-28
Online Publication Date
2023-02-02T12:35:53Z
Date Acceptance
2022-11-07
ISSN
2673-3129
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Start Page
1
End Page
8
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Medical Technology
Volume
4
Copyright Statement
© 2022 Saeidi, Barnes, Berthaume, Holthof,
Milandri, Bull and Jeffers. This is an open-
access article distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).
The use, distribution or reproduction in other
forums is permitted, provided the original
author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are
credited and that the original publication in this
journal is cited, in accordance with accepted
academic practice. No use, distribution or
reproduction is permitted which does not
comply with these terms.
Milandri, Bull and Jeffers. This is an open-
access article distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).
The use, distribution or reproduction in other
forums is permitted, provided the original
author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are
credited and that the original publication in this
journal is cited, in accordance with accepted
academic practice. No use, distribution or
reproduction is permitted which does not
comply with these terms.
License URI
Identifier
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmedt.2022.1004976/full
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1004976
Date Publish Online
2022-11-28