A Novel Approach to Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures Utilizing a Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Traction and Stabilization Device

Jacob F Oeding; Sam Bockman; Harriet Chiu; Cheyenne Hua; James Connor; Alexander Slocum

doi:10.1115/1.4052901

A Novel Approach to Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures Utilizing a Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Traction and Stabilization Device

J Med Device. 2022 Jun 1;16(2):021006. doi: 10.1115/1.4052901. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Authors

Jacob F Oeding¹, Sam Bockman², Harriet Chiu², Cheyenne Hua², James Connor³, Alexander Slocum²

Affiliations

¹ New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139.
³ Beth Israel Lahey Health Mount Auburn Hospital Orthopedics, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Abstract

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure performed with the objectives of restoring normal alignment and providing stability to broken bone fragments after a fracture. This procedure is increasingly used to treat fractures of the distal end of the radius. Reduction is achieved by the surgeon pulling and manipulating the hand while looking at real-time X-rays, and frequently requires large forces to distract impacted fragments from the proximal bone. This study presents the design and preliminary testing of a multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) device capable of performing both distraction and reduction of fractured bone fragments using a traction splint mechanism with locking ball joints. A prototype was manufactured, and tests were conducted by a practicing hand surgeon. Both qualitative and quantitative tests using a phantom arm were performed. Quantitative force testing found an 80% reduction in the maximum force required to create needed traction, while qualitative tests with a hand surgeon found the device's ability to reduce and stabilize bone fragments while the hardware is secured to be more intuitive and less obstructive than existing techniques.