ISSN:
1365-2516
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary. External fixators (EF) are not commonly used for patients with haemophilia. We describe the use of EF (Ilizarov, AO- uni- and bi-planar fixators and Charnley clamp) in nine patients (mean age: 19.2 years; range: 9–37) with haemophilia for the following indications – arthrodesis of infected joints, treatment of open fractures and osteoclasis. EF required an average of nine skin punctures [range: 4–17 were maintained for a period of 15 weeks (range: 8–29.5), without regular factor replacement, till bone healing was adequate and were removed with a single dose of factor infusion]. The mean preoperative factor level achieved was 85% (range: 64–102%). Much lower levels were subsequently maintained till wound healing. The average total factor consumption was 430 IU kg−1 (range: 240–870), administered over a period of 17 days (range: 9–44). There were no major complications related to EF except in a patient who developed inhibitors. In conclusion, EF can be used safely in haemophilic patients who do not have inhibitors and does not require prolonged factor replacement.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2516.2003.00844.x
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