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International Orthopaedics
Published in: International Orthopaedics 8/2014

01-08-2014 | Review Article

Temporary and definitive external fixation of war injuries: use of a French dedicated fixator

Authors: Laurent Mathieu, Naklan Ouattara, Antoine Poichotte, Erwan Saint-Macari, Olivier Barbier, Fréderic Rongiéras, Sylvain Rigal

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 8/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

External fixation is the recommended stabilization method for both open and closed fractures of long bones in forward surgical hospitals. Specific combat surgical tactics are best performed using dedicated external fixators. The Percy Fx© (Biomet) fixator was developed for this reason by the French Army Medical Service, and has been used in various theatres of operations for more than ten years.

Methods

The tactics of Percy Fx© (Biomet) fixator use were analysed in two different situations: for the treatment of French soldiers wounded on several battlefields and then evacuated to France and for the management of local nationals in forward medical treatment facilities in Afghanistan and Chad.

Results

Overall 48 externals fixators were implanted on 37 French casualties; 28 frames were temporary and converted to definitive rigid frames or internal fixation after medical evacuation. The 77 Afghan patients totalled 85 external fixators, including 13 temporary frames applied in Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs) prior to their arrival at the Kabul combat support hospital. All of the 47 Chadian patients were treated in a FST with primary definitive frames because of delayed surgical management and absence of higher level of care in Chad.

Conclusion

Temporary frames were mostly used for French soldiers to facilitate strategic air medical evacuation following trauma damage control orthopaedic principles. Definitive rigid frames permitted achieving treatment of all types of war extremity injuries, even in poor conditions.
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Metadata
Title
Temporary and definitive external fixation of war injuries: use of a French dedicated fixator
Authors
Laurent Mathieu
Naklan Ouattara
Antoine Poichotte
Erwan Saint-Macari
Olivier Barbier
Fréderic Rongiéras
Sylvain Rigal
Publication date
01-08-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-014-2305-2

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