The Hub of an External Fixation Device for Early Mobilization of the Wrist in the Treatment of Distal Radial Epimetaphyseal Fractures

Abstract

A mobilization hub inserted into an external fixator was developed for the treatment of fractures of the distal epimetaphysis of the radius bone. The hub was designed in a three-dimensional solid-body modeling system. Experimental prototypes were made of ABS plastic by 3D printing. Cadaver experiments showed that with the device carrying the mobilization hub, the range of movements was not statistically significantly different from the range of passive movements in the intact joint. The X-ray-transparent material used for the hub provides unimpeded visualization of the fracture site and wrist joint. Single use of the hub is proposed, as it can be made using inexpensive plastic and 3D printing, while batch production is by pressure casting.