Previous research has shown that ignored stimuli are affectively devalued (i.e., distractor devaluation effect). Whereas previous research used feature-based selection tasks to investigate distractor devaluation, we used an object-based paradigm, allowing us to investigate open questions regarding underlying mechanisms. First, by using an object-based paradigm, we expected to find distractor de...

Several surgical techniques are available for the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The use of a uniplanar external fixator is an option for the treatment of fractures classified as Sanders types 2 and 3. Satisfactory reduction and stabilisation of the fracture are achieved by means of mini-incisions and fixator adjustment. The advantages of this technique include less soft-tiss...

We studied the effect of 'dynamisation' on tibial fractures in six patients treated by the Dynamic Axial Fixator. In the early stages, peak cyclic movement at two to four weeks averaged 0.75 mm (0.19 to 1.02) on the medial side of the bone and 0.86 mm (0.21 to 1.25) on the lateral side. The amount of movement correlated with the applied load and the fracture stiffness. After unlocking the fixat...

OBJECTIVE To test the homemade ring fixator as a tool for correction of bony deformity. MATERIAL AND METHOD The authors developed an aluminum alloy ring fixator and tested it to find out the accuracy of manufacturing and strength of the ring systems under axial load with the Roundness Testing Machine and Lloyd Universal Testing Machine. RESULTS The mean diameter of the twenty five-drill hol...

Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical procedure used to correct severe bone deformities. Current practice involves planning the deformity correction using parameters measured from radiographs and the installation of complex fixators such as the Taylor spatial frame. A computer-integrated surgery system has been proposed that uses a novel two-degree-of-freedom fixator to correct complex bone de...

Between 1993 and 1995, thirty-three patients having 39 fractures caused by missiles fired from a high velocity rifle were reviewed retrospectively between 1 and 3 years after injury and the outcome of treatment assessed. Majority (33 out of 39) were Grade III. Union was achieved in 35 out of 39 fractures, there was deep infection and delayed union in one case each. Non-union occurred in three f...

Unilateral external fixation can be used in the provisional or definitive treatment of tibial fractures. A properly applied fixator allows bony and soft tissue stability, whereas an improperly applied fixator achieves neither and can be a hindrance. The principles for the successful application of monolateral external fixation, including the rationale for choosing this type of device, the assem...

INTRODUCTION High energy tibial plateau fractures along with calcaneal fractures individually produce several challenges for the orthopaedic surgeon. The principles of bony reconstruction include anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation of intra-articular fractures and accurate restoration of the coronal, sagittal and transverse mechanical axes. Due to the tenuous nature of the soft tissu...

We report a retrospective review of all paediatric trauma patients managed with an external fixator admitted to our institution over a 7-year period. We identified 30 fractures in 28 children. The fractures included 20 tibiae, 5 femurs, 2 humerii, 2 radii and 1 phalanx. The indications were 23 open fractures, 4 comminuted fractures and 3 closed fractures in poly-traumatised patients. It was the...

Background: The treatment of open tibial fractures is still an orthopaedic challenge and full of complications. In many cases the use of external fixator that has been known as a non-union machine is obligatory with a high incidence of pin track infection and other complications. The aim of this study was to compare the use of external fixation as a definite method for treatment of open tibial ...