Extended use of the k wire and the orthopaedic screw: the fixclip project.

Abstract

The results of the first 280 fixations with the Fixclip systems are reported. The intended advantages of increased fixation accuracy and versatility have been realised. Two hundred and fifty four fixations have been followed-up to union; there have been three deep infections, two persistent non-unions, and 12 fixation failures requiring revision. A range of sizes has allowed use of the system with screws from the small and basic fragment sets with wires from 1.2 to 3 mm diameter. Its use in the management of paediatric conditions, intra-articular fractures, fractures in osteoporotic bone and as a blade plate substitute are illustrated. Its potential as a biologically and mechanically effective means of bone fixation is discussed.