stφrm is used to reduce unstable fractures throughout the tibia (plateau, shaft, pilon and malleolar) including open, closed, comminuted and multi-segmental fractures. The cases illustrated show where stφrm has been used to reduce the fractures prior to fixation (internal or external).
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, firstly by providing precise and controllable traction while the rotation lock wheel system allows large and fine adjustments to correct rotation. In addition, the use of the unique translation arms allows fine corrections to translation and angulation. Once an anatomical reduction has been achieved the translation arms will ensure that the reduction is held firm while the selected method of fixation is applied even when drilling.
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.
