Abstract

In a retrospective study involving 98 patients the results achieved with the dynamic axial fixator (Orthofix) in closed or open fractures of the tibia or femur treated in two district hospitals in the southwest of England during the period 1986-1988 were evaluated. Fifteen patients were vacationers and, as a result, were lost to followup. The operation and subsequent management was performed by more than 15 different members of the staff, of different levels of seniority and experience. The present survey in this group of surgeons has demonstrated that the dynamic axial fixator is a reliable means of treating open fractures of the tibia following an initial good reduction. It does, however, highlight the importance of the strict adherence to simple guidelines for application, pin care and dynamization if best results are to be obtained.