Dial Medicali MILANO - ITALY ExFix for the lengthening of long bones SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

INTRODUCTION RailFix® is an external fixator composed by rails of different lengths, clamps and distractors. The appropriate assembly of these elements allows to treat the long bones lengthening or transport (“lift technique”). RailFix® is available both for adult patients’ treatment and pediatric ones. Moreover, having been manufactured with avionic aluminum alloy, it shows an extraordinary sturdiness. The aim of this handbook is to highlight the application procedures without referring to any anatomical, physiological or biological topic. RailFix® is well known and mainly implanted for the...

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE Step 1 Using the appropriate trocar, position the pin-guide on the bone, taking care to be as central as possible with respect to the shaft. Step 2 Remove the trocar from the pin-guide and insert the right guide-drill (4,5 mm for 6mm diameter pins – 3,2 mm for 5mm diameter pins). If a motor is used, drill the bone at a low number RPM untill reaching and passing the second cortex. Step 3 Insert the chosen pin till reaching the second cortex. N.B: To assure a greater bearing capacity, it is recommended to tight the pin over the second cortex of 1-2 pin-threads.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE Step 4 Assemble on the desired rail the test clamps. Without removing the pin-guide, open the most proximal test clamp and place in it the previously set pin. It is advisable to use the most proximal pin housing. Arrange now, distally, the second test clamp, calculating the right distance for the corticotomy. The optimum range between the proximal/distal screw and the corticotomy point should not be less than 15/20 mm. Repeat the step 1/3, locating the pin in the most distal pin housing of the test clamp. Step 5 In order to set the other pins in the remaining clamp holes, repeat...

Step 7 Checking the distance between the pins and the point of osteotomy, it is possible now to proceed with the corticotomy. Once completed, insert the distractor in the appropriate holes. Using the provided Allen key (6mm for the adult system – 5mm for the pediatric system), rotate counterclockwise the distractor and verify, by X-Ray, the complete separation of the cortexes. Every single round of Allen key is equal to 1mm of linear distraction. It is necessary to distract at least 2/4 mm in order to check the complete division of the cortexes. Reached this point, rotate clockwise the distractor...

RailFix® is a modern external fixator specifically designed for bones lengthening and/or transport, in accordance to the callogenesis method. It is composed by a rail of different lengths and dimensions (adult, pediatric), clamps and different distractors. The clamps are available in two configurations: 1 and 2 housing to get the best choice for distractor connection. RailFix® is a flexible system and it allows the planning of different configurations. Nevertheless, it should be remembered some tips for a correct treatment: Perform a complete planning in order to detect the right placement of...

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