Summary
The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of thermal conduction along
the fixation pins associated with acrylic external fixators and to develop a means
of minimizing the potential for thermal injury. The data suggest that the degree of
temperature conducted with 1.9 cm diameter acrylic external fixators was of minimal
clinical significance if maintained a distance of one centimeter from the patient’s
tissues. Larger diameter columns increase the potential for injury, however, this
can be minimized with the use of a constant saline drip at the pin-acrylic interface
to facilitate heat loss.
This article describes the evaluation of thermal properties of polymethylmethacrylate
external skeletal fixators. The data demonstrate heat conduction along the fixation
pins. Thermal injury is theoretically minimized if columns are maintained a distance
of at least one centimeter from the patient’s tissue.
Research supported in part by and presented for the University of Missouri Pi Chapter
of the Honor Society of Phi Zeta in coordination with SmithKline Beecham Animal Health,
April 7, 1994
Keywords
Polymethylmethacrylate - external fixation - thermal injury