The Staffordshire Orthopaedic Reduction Machine, stφrm, provides an innovative approach to the treatment of unstable lower limb fractures. The basis for the product concept and design is to separate the reduction of the fracture from the fixation. stφrm is used in the operating theatre and provides the surgeon with a simple but innovative approach to reducing these difficult fractures prior to fixation by providing precise and controllable axial traction while at the same time a unique rotation lock wheel system allows large and fine adjustments to correct rotation.
In trials carried out in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire the use of stφrm was shown to shorten operating times by almost 50%. Firstly, by applying a simple but controlled method to reducing the fracture, the manipulation time to achieve an anatomical reduction averaged just 11 minutes and secondly because the reduction is firmly maintained during the application of the chosen method of fixation both internal and external. A prospective study by Mahmood et al presented to the British Trauma Society annual meeting in Nottingham in October of 100 closed tibial fractures in footballers treated with monolateral external fixation where stφrm was used to reduce the fracture the mal-union rate was 0% and the non-union rate 2%.
stφrm is used to reduce a variety of lower limb fractures involving the tibia (plateau, shaft, pilon and malleolar). In the example shown the unstable fracture of the right tibia and fibula was sustained as a result of jumping from a 5 meter wall and was reduced using stφrm prior to fixation.