Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Faschingbauer.
To keep damage to vascular and neural structure in the lower leg to a minimum when Ilizarov ring fixators are mounted, a transparent model of the lower leg has been designed and produced. In this model the course of the vascular and neural structures is shown anatomically correct relative to the bones of the lower leg. This model makes it easier to imagine the spatial relations and helps in correct placement of the Kirschner wires in the lower leg.
Since May 1990, we have treated seven patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the femur. The Ilisarov apparatus was used in three of these cases for fixation and in four cases for segment transport. The treatment of four patients is now complete. We have not found any problems in bone regeneration. The use of pins in the proximal and middle thirds of the femur has proved problematic due to the soft tissue damage. Instead of this, we recommend using Schanz screws, which can be fixed to the arch with the AO lock. Moreover, it is easier to shorten the 180 degrees arch to 90 degrees or 120 degrees using the Schanz screws. To prevent problems, it is better to assemble the apparatus before use and to take into consideration the anatomical and functional situation.