R Baumgart, V Kuhn, S Hinterwimmer, M Krammer, W Mutschler
Bone transport applying the principle of distraction osteogenesis makes it possible to reconstruct long bone defects caused by trauma or resection of bone tumors. The method employing a central cable, developed in Munich, is especially suitable for such applications. The main bone fragments are stabilized by an external fixateur, and bone transport is effected with a single central cable fixed to the tip of the segment, and driven by an external, programmable motor. In 15 patients the tractive forces during the entire bone transport were measured with a strain gauge incorporated within the cable...
September 2004: Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical Engineering