Management of shotgun-induced fractures of the humerus with Ilizarov external fixator

Abstract We retrospectively reviewed 11 shotgun-induced open humeral fractures treated with immediate application of Ilizarov type ring external fixation. Eight patients had grade III A and three had grade III B open fractures. No patient had associated neurovascular injury. All fractures were stabilized with Ilizarov external fixator immediately after meticulous debridement and irrigation under emergent conditions. Complete bony union occurred in all patients in 14–44 weeks (mean, 21 weeks). One patient required a second intervention to adjust the external fixator rings. Two patients required a rotational fasciocutaneous flap to handle the soft tissue coverage problem. Superficial pin tract infection was present in eight patients; however none of them had deep infection or osteomyelitis. A good to excellent result was achieved in 10 patients according to the rating system of Smith and Cooney. Immediate Ilizarov external fixation is a safe method of obtaining a functional limb in the treatment of shotgun-induced open humeral fractures with severe soft tissue damage.     

Unreamed Intra-Medullary Nail Versus Half Pin External Fixator in Grade III [A & B] Open tibia fractures

BackgroundTibia fracture is the most common long bone fracture. The fractures of tibia are commonly open fractures due to subcutaneous position of the tibia. The choice of technique for stabilization of open tibia fractures includes - External fixation, unreamed intra-medullary nails [URTN], Reamed intra-medullary nails, ORIF with Plating.ObjectivesTo evaluate & compare the results of Unreamed Intra-Medullary Nail Versus Half Pin External Fixator in Grade III [A & B] Open tibia fractures.MethodsThis prospective clinical study [Randomized chit box] was done on 50 patients presenting to our institute within 24 h of injury. Only those who were skeletally mature with open tibia fracture Grade IIIA & IIIB [Gustilo-Anderson] were included in this study. After initial management, radiological assessment was done. Following this adequate wound debridement, skeletal stabilization with either primary URTN or external fixator was done. Inspection and debridement were repeated at 48-h intervals until the wound was considered clean.Results50 cases [25 each group] were compared in terms of - Final Alignment of the Fracture, Presence of Infection/Non-union/Mal-union, Hardware failure, Time to Bone Union, Number of Operative Procedures after index admission. Mean time to full weight bearing was 20.96 weeks in URTN group versus 24.8 weeks in Ex-fix group. 5 in URTN group required further surgery for non-union versus 11 patients in Ex-fix group. There were 6 significant pin track infection. Removal of nail was required in 1 case of deep infection.ConclusionThis study supports the use of the URTN over External fixator in the treatment of severe open tibia fractures.     

Management of open fractures in the multiple trauma patient

The management of open fractures in the multiple trauma patient is discussed. It is concluded that operative stabilization of the open fracture both enhances the survival of these patients and reduces the complications of the fracture while enhancing extremity function. This procedure must be conducted so as to avoid devascularization of more tissue and especially bone fragments and so that adequate stability is provided. In general, all open fractures are left open with the degree of openness depending upon the magnitude of the soft tissue trauma. In grade I and II open fractures, stabilization can usually be achieved by internal fixation or by a combination of minimal internal fixation (usually lag screws) and external fixation. In grade III open fractures, stabilization is usually best achieved by external fixation. However, the external fixation must be carefully designed to allow the subsequent soft tissue coverage operations which are usually required in third degree open fractures. In general, the external fixator should be viewed as a device to gain sufficient stability for patient mobilization and soft tissue management and not as definitive fracture care. For this reason, in the tibia unilateral frames are usually best and bilateral or trilateral frames should be reserved for segmental defects and severe zonal comminution. Definitive fracture care is then administered after soft tissue healing by cast or internal fixation.     

The small pin circular fixator for distal tibial pilon fractures with soft tissue compromise

A Monticelli-Spinelli small pin circular external fixator was used in combination with closed reduction or a limited open reduction internal fixation in five cases in an attempt to salvage a satisfactory result in distal tibia pilon fractures when associated soft tissue compromise prevented standard fixation with plates and screws. The small pin fixator enhances the ability to perform a closed reduction through a technique that uses distraction with pins in the tibia and calcaneus, combined with correction of angulation by tensioning wires with a stop nut. Small pin stabilization of these comminuted fractures allows early patient mobilization. The small diameter pins support the soft cancellous bone fragments. This technique attempts to combine the benefits of traction, external fixation, and limited internal fixation. We recommend this technique as a salvage procedure when plates and screws are contraindicated because of poor bone and soft tissue conditions.     

UTN与外固定架治疗胫骨开放骨折的疗效评估

目的　比较非扩髓胫骨带锁髓内钉 (UTN)和外固定架治疗胫骨开放骨折的疗效。方法　对 72例胫骨带锁髓内钉或外固定架治疗的胫骨开放骨折进行回顾性研究 ,比较其愈合时间、感染率和畸形愈合率 ,其对伤口及软组织处理原则相同 ,病人特征和损伤分类没有统计学意义。结果　平均愈合时间 ,髓内钉组 5 2个月 ,外固定架组 7 6个月 ;畸形愈合率外固定架组高于髓内钉组 2 5倍 :感染率没有差别。结论　对于大多数胫骨开放性骨折非扩髓胫骨带锁髓内钉的疗效优于外固定架。     

Langzeitergebnisse nach operativer Versorgung von Pilon-tibial-Frakturen Eine retrospektive Untersuchung

Background: While Pilon fractures of the tibia have been treated for decades by primary open reduction and internal fixation by plate osteosynthesis, during the last 10 years differential treatment was developped: After primary open reduction nowadays patients are treated with (according to type of fracture and tissue damage). As well as primary open reduction and internal fixation a two-step treatment (primary external fixator and delayed ORIF) or consolidation by external fixator combined with minimal invasive osteosynthesis (cannulated screws and K-wires) has been implemented. Furthermore, the significance of primary bone grafting in comminuted fractures to prevent aseptic pseudarthrosis has been acknowledged. Methods: Of 151 patients with 160 pilon fractures treated from January 1979 to May 1995, 107 patients (113 fractures) were evaluated. Only the results of C2 and C3 fractures could be compared, as only in these groups were all three types of treatment used. Results: Over 75% of the treated fractures were closed fractures, most of them being fractures with a soft tissue damage grade 2 of the Oestern and Tscherne classification. In the open fractures we found mainly grade 3 fractures according to the Gustilo and Anderson classification. In 54.9% of all pilon tibial fractures we observed an uncomplicated course of healing. Early complications (25.7%) were mainly soft tissue infections, whereas we found pseudarthrosis to be the most frequent late complication. Highest infection rate (55.5%) was in the two-step treatment group (primary external fixator and delayed ORIF) and lowest in the primary internal stabilization group, although especially in the C2 and C3 fractures best clinical late results were obtained with the two-step procedure. Conclusion: The complication rate in the treatment of pilon fractures depends mainly on the type of fracture, the soft tissue damage and the type of treatment. The results of primary ORIF varied. In the case of low-grade soft tissue damage, good to excellent results were accomplished. In the case of higher-grade soft tissue damage, the problem of soft tissue coverage and reconstruction of the joint surface could be solved with good results by the two-step treatment. Herewith it is important to use limited open reduction of displaced fragments and fixation by cannulated screws and K-wires. We consider ORIF of the fibula necessary as stabilization of the second column of the ankle joint.     

The small pin circular fixator for proximal tibial fractures with soft tissue compromise

We used a Monticelli-Spinelli small pin circular external fixator in five cases, in combination with closed reduction or limited open reduction internal fixation, to salvage a satisfactory result in juxtaarticular, intraarticular fractures of the proximal tibia, when associated soft tissue compromise prevented standard fixation with plates and screws. The small pin circular fixator allows juxtaarticular placement of the small pins, enhancing stabilization of the comminuted fractures, allowing early range of motion of the joint and early patient mobilization. The small diameter pins support the soft cancellous bone fragments. This technique attempts to combine the benefits of traction, external fixation, and limited internal fixation. We recommend this method as a salvage procedure when plates and screws are contraindicated because of poor bone and soft tissue conditions.     

Fixateur externe und alternative Fixationsmethoden bei offenen Unterschenkelschaftbruch

The idea of external fixation as a method of fracture treatment goes back to the middle of the nineteenth century (Malgaigne). One of the first to use it was the famous Belgian surgeon Lambotte. Even today, the external fixator is highly valued in the treatment of open tibial fractures with severe soft tissue damage or simultaneous multiple blunt trauma. Its advantages lie in the fast and safe application. It can be modified in various ways if necessary. Immediate external fixation of the tibia improves the soft tissue healing. Definitive internal fixation (intramedullary nailing) can be performed after a short period of external fixation and is beneficial in terms of bone healing without additional risk.     

Staged management of high-energy proximal tibia fractures

High-energy proximal tibia fractures are complicated by soft tissue compromise and this may result in sub-optimal outcomes. There is a high association of open injuries, compartment syndromes, and vascular injuries with these bony disruptions. Surgical treatment of these injuries has been associated with significant complications such as infection, knee stiffness, malunion, loss of fixation, soft tissue failure, and amputations. The loss of fixation is an issue especially in the elderly, with failure associated with age more than sixty years, premature weight bearing, preoperative displacement, fracture fragmentation, and severe osteoporosis. The use of two-stage reconstruction for the treatment of distal tibia fractures has been successful in decreasing the complication rates, including wound compromise. The two stages involve: 1. stabilization of the injured limb with a bridging external fixator to allow the soft tissues to improve and recover and 2. definitive fixation for reconstruction of the articular surface and meta-diaphyseal fractures. The use of such a protocol has been proposed for high-energy proximal tibia fractures to decrease the high rate of soft tissue compromise associated with traditional open methods of treatment. The choice of definitive fixation may include plates, nails, or non-bridging external fixation.     

The Treatment of Intra-articular Calcaneus Fractures with Severe Soft Tissue Damage with a Hinged External Fixator or Internal Stabilization: Long-term Results

We developed a hinged external fixator for the treatment of dislocated intra-articular calcaneus fractures with severe soft tissue damage. The external fixation was performed with a known external fixator system. The screw insertion points were biomechanically tested by defining a virtual rotation axis through the center of the talus to allow early active motion in the ankle joint. Long-term follow-up was performed after an average of 7.3 years. Results were graded with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Radiographs were reviewed according to Sanders classification. Four open fractures and 33 cases with extremely swollen soft tissue, blisters, or compartment syndromes were treated. In 24 cases (64.9%), the hinged fixator was the final method of treatment (group I). A change to open reduction with internal fixation was performed in 13 fractures (35.1%) when soft tissue problems were minimal (group II). There were no late amputations, osteomyelitis, or malunions. According to Sanders classification, group I consisted of 14 type II, 8 type III, and 2 type IV fractures. Pin loosening or pin infection was seen in 4 cases, but there was no redislocation. The Böhler's angle improved in 43%, gaps in the posterior facet were closed in 41%, and any shortening or deviation of the axis was corrected in 82% of the cases. The AOFAS score for the group averaged 66.5. According to Sanders classification, group II consisted of 8 type II and 5 type III fractures. The Böhler's angle improved in 88%, and gaps in the posterior facet were closed in 87%. Any shortening or deviation of the axis was corrected in 95%, and the AOFAS score averaged 61.3. Significant differences in patient outcome scores between open reduction with internal fixation and hinged fixator were not found. P value was > .05. The hinged external fixator frame can be used in all calcaneus fracture types without soft tissue limitation. The hinged fixator allows early movement in the ankle joint, the risk of infection is minimized, and secondary plate fixation remains possible.     

后外侧入路在Pilon骨折治疗中的应用

目的:评价在Pilon骨折治疗中后外侧入路的作用和并发症。方法:2009年8月至2011年3月,分期手术治疗15例Pilon骨折,AO/OTA分类B3型2例,其余均为C型骨折,均合并明显移位的后踝骨折。其中男12例,女3例,平均年龄37.9岁(21～51岁)。所有患者I期急诊手术使用超关节外固定架固定,Ⅱ期固定时首先通过后外侧入路固定腓骨,同时辅助复位和固定胫骨远端的后方骨折块,通过前内侧或前外侧入路复位和固定胫骨远端。结果:15例患者均获随访,平均随访时间14.2个月(12～17个月),13例骨折顺利愈合,2例需Ⅱ期自体髂骨植骨。后外侧伤口均未出现软组织并发症。术后影像学检查,14例关节面残留移位小于2mm。根据Baird-Jackson评价,优2例,良7例,可4例,差2例。结论:作为Pilon骨折前方入路的辅助切口,通过后外侧入路可以有效显露及固定后踝骨块及腓骨骨折,为前方骨折块的复位提供了标志,操作安全、简单、有效。     

Staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome

PurposeHigh-energy proximal tibial fractures often accompany compartment syndrome and are usually treated by fasciotomy with external fixation followed by secondary plating. However, the initial soft tissue injury may affect bony union, the fasciotomy incision or external fixator pin sites may lead to postoperative wound infections, and the staged procedure itself may adversely affect lower limb function. We assess the results of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome.MethodsTwenty-eight patients with proximal tibial fractures accompanied by acute compartment syndrome who underwent staged MIPO and had a minimum of 12 months follow-up were enrolled. According to the AO/OTA classification, 6 were 41-A, 15 were 41-C, 2 were 42-A and 5 were 42-C fractures; this included 6 cases of open fractures. Immediate fasciotomy was performed once compartment syndrome was diagnosed and stabilization of the fracture followed using external fixation. After the soft tissue condition normalized, internal conversion with MIPO was done on an average of 37 days (range, 9–158) after index trauma. At the time of internal conversion, the external fixator pin site grades were 0 in 3 cases, 1 in 12 cases, 2 in 10 cases and 3 in 3 cases, as described by Dahl. Radiographic assessment of bony union and alignment and a functional assessment using the Knee Society Score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were carried out.ResultsTwenty-six cases achieved primary bony union at an average of 18.5 weeks. Two cases of nonunion healed after autogenous bone grafting. The mean Knee Society Score and the AOFAS score were 95 and 95.3 respectively, at last follow-up. Complications included 1 case of osteomyelitis in a patient with a grade IIIC open fracture and 1 case of malunion caused by delayed MIPO due to poor wound conditions. Duration of external fixation and the external fixator pin site grade were not related to the occurrence of infection.ConclusionsStaged MIPO for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome may achieve satisfactory bony union and functional results, while decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications.     

Results of ring (Ilizarov) fixator in high energy Schatzker type VI fractures of proximal tibia

Background

High-energy fractures of proximal tibia (Schatzker VI) are associated with severe articular depression, separation of both condyles, diaphyseal comminution & dissociation with loss of integrity of the soft-tissue envelope. Complications of plating are well known since last 50years in these difficult fractures. An alternative method was proposed by Ilizarov (ring fixator) and was adopted for the treatment of these complex injuries.

Tibial pilon fractures

Tibial pilon fractures are severe injuries to the distal articular surface of the tibia. Such injuries frequently result from high-energy axial impact and are often associated with extended soft tissue injury. Various treatment methods are available, depending not only on the fracture type but mostly on the extent of the soft tissue injury; one of the most frequent procedures is a two-stage surgery: the initial closed reduction of the fracture via primary placement of an ankle joint-spanning external fixator, if possible in conjunction with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured fibula followed by a secondary procedure after soft tissue recovery by open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial plafond. By now, new types of low-profile and locking plates are available for internal fixation allowing the anatomical reconstruction of the fractured articular surface while sparing the soft tissue. Nonetheless, the treatment of tibial pilon fractures is technically demanding because of their potential for severe complications.     

External fixator as primary and definitive treatment of tibial fracture with severe soft tissue damage

The initial treatment of choice of fractures with severe soft tissue damage of the leg is the stabilization with an external fixator. After successful healing the question arises whether to continue the initial treatment with the external fixator to bone union or to change the initial concept by an internal fixation. Our experience with 62 fractures of the tibia (follow-up of 59 fractures) from 1985 to 1989 shows that 72% of the fractures were healed by the external fixator alone. Delayed union or pseudoarthrosis occurred in 17% and were mostly treated by late internal fixation. An analysis of the fracture types (new AO classification) did not show certain fracture types, that did not respond to the external fixator treatment alone. We conclude that the reason for a delayed union or pseudoarthrosis is less a morphological than a biological one. We recommend the first and final external fixator as treatment for fractures with severe soft tissue damage of the leg.     

Clinical results of the primary fixation of open tibial fractures treated with the unreamed AO/ASIF tibial nail

Summary From 04/91 to 06/96 sixty-nine open fractures of the tibia were primarily treated on the day of the accident with unreamed nailing (UTN, Synthes™). The distributions of fracture type according to the AO classification and of soft tissue injury according to Gustilo were as follows: fracture type: A: 28 %, B: 52 %, C: 20 %; soft tissue injury: I: 30 %, II: 28 %, IIIA: 12 %, IIIB: 12 %, IIIC: 6 %. Of the 65 fractures assessed 46 (71 %) healed within 18 weeks without secondary intervention. There was delayed healing in three fractures requiring secondary conversion to reamed nailing. Eight fractures (12 %) developed pseudarthrosis of which five (8 %) healed uneventfully. Deep infections was manifest in four fractures (6 %). Three of these infections developed after secondary intervention to treat pseudarthrosis. Seven of the eight pseudarthroses and three of the four infections healed eventually. Revision procedures were necessary in 11 patients (17 %) to deal with disturbed fracture healing or infection (10 reamed nailing procedures, three cancellous bone grafts, and one of each of the following: sequestrectomy, fibular osteotomy, plate fixation, external fixator, monorail procedure). The results show that the same good infection rates were achieved for the UTN as for the external fixator. The advantages of the UTN are, however, a lesser need for secondary intervention and greater patient comfort. Therefore, we find the UTN to be a good alternative to the external fixator in the treatment of open fractures with severe soft tissue damage.      

Does delay in surgical debridement increase the risk of infection in open tibia fractures in Saudi patients? A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundInfection is the most common and devastating complication of open fractures, with a reported incidence of 3–40%. Tibia bone along its anteromedial surface has relatively thin soft tissue coverage; hence the open tibia fracture incidence rate ranges from 49.4% to 63.2%. Open fractures are usually classified based on the Gustilo & Anderson classification system, which is used by surgeons as an index for the severity of an injury and as a prognostic tool. Our current practice follows the 6-h rule of irrigation and debridement (I&D). Nevertheless, there is little support for this opinion in the literature. Our study concentrates on identifying the risk factors of infection in open tibia fractures and comparing the rate of infection if surgical irrigation and debridement was delayed.MethodsThe medical records of 389 patients with open fractures were reviewed. Of these cases, 113 patients with open tibia fracture who presented to our Hospital from the period 1997 to 2008 fit the inclusion criteria and were included in a retrospective cohort study.ResultsA total of 113 tibia fractures were reviewed, with an average patient age of 31.70 years; 87.1% of the fractures were high-energy fractures, and the most common mechanism of injury was a motor vehicle accident (62.4%). The data analysis revealed no difference in overall infectious outcome when comparing initial I&D performed within 6 h to when I&D was performed after 6 h (P = 0.201). The data analysis showed a significant relationship between infection and wound closure in first surgery in both univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.014), respectively.ConclusionThis study showed no significant evidence to support the 6-h rule, but it did demonstrate a significant relationship between the Gustilo stage and infection, as well as an increased infection rate if external fixation was used or if the wound was left open during the initial irrigation and debridement. We believe that more studies are required to identify the relationship between infection and the delay in irrigation and debridement; a meta-analysis of the currently available data may provide an answer to this question.     

Verfahrenswechsel vom Fixateur externe zur Marknagelosteosynthese an Femur und Tibia

Femoral and tibial shaft fractures can be treated successfully with intramedullary nailing. Locking techniques have made it possible to extend the indications to include comminuted fractures of the proximal and distal thirds. The range of indications for unreamed nailing is becoming increasingly wide. There are, however, restrictions on nailing procedures in polytraumatized patients and in the presence of multiple ipsilateral fractures with or without joint involvement and of fractures with severe soft tissue injury (open or closed). Primary stabilization with the external fixator has proved best for such injuries. Whereas the main difficulties and risks involved in primary intramedullary nailing arise during the initial treatment, complications with the external fixator occur later in the treatment programme. A conversion procedure from the external fixator to intramedullary nailing can combine the advantages of both techniques. For a long time, only studies with fewer than 50 patients were available in the literature. The conversion procedures were not standardized, and the timing of secondary intervention was somewhat arbitrary and/or late, i.e. after 3 weeks or more. Nonetheless, there has been some controversy over the advantages and disadvantages, and also the risks, of a conversion procedure. In our own prospective studies from 1989–1992 and 1993–1994, open and closed second- and third-degree femoral and tibial fractures were first stabilized with an external fixator and then treated by conversion to nail fixation as early as possible and according to strict criteria. Initially medullary nails with slight reaming were used, and in the second phase unreamed nailing was used in all cases. A first prospective study conducted from 1989 to 1992, which included 164 conversion procedures in tibial and 98 in femoral fractures, was carried out according to strict principles: nailing was to be performed as early as possible and under standardized, favorable conditions; the same principles were then followed in all later studies. The results were no worse than those of primary internal fixation in terms of function and time to healing. The infection rate for the conversion procedure was 1.9% overall (femur 2%, tibia 1.8%), which is not significantly different from that for primary nailing. The second study with conversion to unreamed and solid nailing only (tibia 102, femur 31) showed a tendency to a lower infection rate, 0.8% (tibia 1%, femur 0/31); the difference did not reach statistical significance as the number of cases was small and for other reasons. These results, further personal experience, and new publications permit the conclusion that a conversion procedure from primary osteosynthesis with an external fixator to intramedullary nailing as a secondary, definitive osteosynthesis is an appropriate course of action in certain circumstances (e.g. fractures with soft tissue damage whether open or closed, polytrauma).      

The treatment of segmental tibial fractures: does patient preference differ from surgeon choice?

IntroductionSegmental tibial fractures are complex injuries with a prolonged recovery time. Current definitive treatment options include intramedullary fixation or a circular external fixator. However, there is uncertainty as to which surgical option is preferable and there are no sufficiently rigorous multi-centre trials that have answered this question. The objective of this study was to determine whether patient and surgeon opinion was permissive for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing intramedullary nailing to the application of a circular external fixator.Materials and methodsA convenience questionnaire survey of attending surgeons was conducted during the United Kingdom’s Orthopaedic Trauma Society annual meeting 2017 to determine the treatment modalities used for a segmental tibial fracture (n = 63). Patient opinion was obtained from clinical patients who had been treated for a segmental tibial fracture as part of a patient and public involvement focus group with questions covering the domains of surgical preference, treatment expectations, outcome, the consent process and follow-up regime (n = 5).ResultsBased on the surgeon survey, 39% routinely use circular frame fixation following segmental tibial fracture compared to 61% who use nail fixation. Nail fixation was reported as the treatment of choice for a closed injury in a healthy patient in 81% of surgeons, and by 86% for a patient with a closed fracture who was obese. Twenty-one percent reported that they would use a nail for an open segmental tibia fracture in diabetics who smoked, whilst 57% would opt for a nail for a closed injury with compartment syndrome, and only 27% would use a nail for an open segmental injury in a young fit sports person. The patient and public preference exercise identified that sleep, early functional outcomes and psychosocial measures of outcomes are important.ConclusionWe concluded that a RCT comparing definitive fixation with an intramedullary nail and a circular external fixator is justified as there remains uncertainty on the optimal surgical management for segmental tibial fractures. Furthermore, psychosocial factors and early post-operative outcomes should be reported as core outcome measures as part of such a trial.     

Evaluation of a novel semicircular locking external fixator for treating fractures of long bones: Biomechanical comparison with a circular external fixator

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the biomechanical properties of a novel semicircular locking external fixator with locking screw mechanism, shape of trapezoidal corrugations, half- ring designed for greater stability.Materials and methodsThe novel external fixator had a half-ring with the shape of trapezoidal corrugations and locking screws fixing the bone at different angles in all three planes (sagittal, axial, and coronal). The biomechanical properties of the semicircular locking external fixator (group 1) were compared with those of a standard Ilizarov-type circular external fixator (group 2) (TST, ?stanbul, Turkey) in an experimental study design. Five frames were used in each group. Standard PE 1000 (polyethylene) rod models (n = 10) simulating the tibia bone model were used. Both systems were compared biomechanically by applying axial and torsional loads simultaneously.ResultTwo samples in group 2 were damaged before the test ended during axial loading. All of the samples in group 1 completed the tests without damage after 150,000 cycles. The axial stiffness of the semicircular locking external fixator was found to be significantly higher than that of the Ilizarov-type circular external fixator (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two fixators in torsional loading. The application time of semicircular locking external fixator was significantly shorter than Ilizarov-type circular external fixator (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe novel semicircular locking external fixator was biomechanically stronger than the Ilizarov-type external fixator for treating fractures of long bones. It can be used as a permanent external fixator for the definitive treatment of long bone fractures with soft tissue damage in terms of stability and application time.