Flexible external fixator (The special innovation from Pattani hospital)

Abstract

Flexible external fixator was designed by the orthopedic surgeon who had worked in Pattani hospital for nearly 30years since he had graduated from Chiangmai University.

The main objective of this innovation was to solve some medical problems and to improve the efficacy of fracturetreatment; especially, fracture of the lower legs. Many special properties make this innovation differed from other standardinstruments, such as, it is light in weight, radiolucent, flexible due to main structures are made of PVC group which isstrong enough to hold the reduced fracture during the whole period of treatment, it can be adjusted in many directions,this instrument looks well, so possibly, it could minimize anxiety of the patients. This innovation is considered to be minimalinvasive, so it could reduce complications which happened in the standard procedure. It can reduce the number of unnecessaryadmissions and also the risk of the operation with general anesthesia. This risk is also considered to be for both thepatients and the doctors.

For the last 4 years, more than 100 patients who had fractures of lower legs in Pattani hospital were treated withflexible external fixator. The outcome of the treatment was excellent. We can reduce unnecessary admissions, save time,save course, safe the patients and the doctors by reducing the medical risk, so we can say that our special innovation, theflexible external fixator, had great benefit to all in socio-economic and psychological status of all.

Key words: Flexible external fixator, Radiolucent, Reduction of complications