On engineering verifications of external and internal fixators for traumatology and orthopaedics

In this article the authors draw attention to the possibilities of treatment for complicated bone fractures. They present their own design, laboratory tests and numerical solutions (i.e. strength analyses and reliability assessments) of the various types of internal and external fixators applied in traumatology and orthopaedics (i.e. intended for fractures of limbs, pelvis and calcaneus). The new design of external fixators is based on the development of Ilizarov and other techniques (i.e. shape and weight optimization based on composite materials, application of smart materials, nanotechnology, low x-ray absorption, antibacterial protection, patient comfort, reduction in the duration of surgical treatment, and cost). Similarly, the new intramedullary nail C-NAIL (i.e. an example of an internal fixator) is intended for minimal-invasive fixation of intra articular calcaneal fractures.