Maxframe Autostrut Device for Bone Deformities and Fractures
A bone deformity refers to a bone with a distorted structure, shape, size, length, or alignment. It can be congenital in nature or acquired through traumatic accidents. Although not as common as other bone conditions, deformities affect almost 30% of patients who sustained fractures, joint disorders, and other bone diseases.
Fortunately, constant technological innovations now allow doctors to treat bone malformations using various options instead of sticking to casts and splints. One such example is the use of external fixation devices to treat and correct limb deformities.
External fixation refers to a surgical operation that involves the use of screws, metal pins, and bars to stabilize and align the damaged bone. It is considered "external" since the metal pins are placed into the bone where it's attached to screws and bars outside the skin.
Although efficient, external fixation still has a lot of limitations that can hinder proper bone healing and prolong recovery. Luckily, there's now an automated version of the current manual external fixator system to significantly improve orthopedic treatments, and it's called the Maxframe Autostrut.
We are excited to announce that our very own Dr. William Terrell is the first surgeon in Georgia to perform this innovative technique. Learn more below.
What is the Maxframe Autostrut system?
Physicians repair and treat bone deformities using a variety of options. An innovative way to do that is through the Maxframe autostrut external fixation system.
The Maxframe Autostrut is an external fixator device that utilizes a hexapod frame with two circular rings and six robotic struts. It works by following a computerized correction plan that automatically implements the length and angulation specified by Dr. Terrell. This integrated software allows him to record and track your progress so that he can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Furthermore, the Maxframe Autostrut is equipped with fully automated struts to deliver accurate and more frequent daily adjustments. So, instead of manually adjusting the braces, he can program the device to make the proper length adjustments to repair fractures and deformities efficiently.
As mentioned, Dr. William Terrell is the first surgeon in Georgia to treat patients with this new digitally-enabled robotic fixation device designed to correct bone fractures and deformities.
This unique device is a 'wearable computer' that automatically implements the angular correction plan that Dr. Terrell designs specifically for each patient.
Dr. Terrell also specializes in treating orthopaedic trauma through limb lengthening surgery and deformity repair. So if you have a severe or chronic orthopaedic condition that impedes your quality of life, don't lose hope. You can contact Dr. Terrell or visit his primary practice at our Marietta Office.
What is the advantage of the Autostrut system over other external fixators?
Most external fixator devices used today come with integrated software that features the initial and final strut length adjustments needed to achieve the desired clinical outcome. However, they rely on the patient or healthcare provider for manual strut length adjustments.
The problem with this is that manual adjustments are prone to many errors, which can then delay the patient's healing and recovery. Additionally, manually-operated fixators create an added burden for patients and caregivers. Their recovery highly depends on their ability to manually adjust the struts correctly and in a timely manner.
Fortunately, Maxframe's robotic fixation system allows pre-programmed and automatic adjustments, leading to improved patient experience and outcomes.
Additionally, the software automatically transfers the medical data and results to your orthopedic specialist for seamless progress tracking.
How does it facilitate bone reconstruction?
External fixators can treat a wide array of bone conditions and may serve as a secondary course of treatment to ensure the success of certain surgical operations. Some examples include:
Treatment of infected and nonunion fractures
Fractures wherein there's a significant loss of soft tissues.
Correction of bone deformities
Correction of segmental defects
Improve the outcome of specific surgeries, such as joint arthrodesis, limb lengthening, pseudoarthrosis, and fracture fixation.
It may be used to improve the healing of patients with diabetes and vascular disorders.
Stabilize injuries until the patient is healthy enough for a surgical operation.
External fixation works on different principles depending on the patient's condition and medical needs. For example, if the patient has a fracture, the surgeon may place an external fixator to stabilize the damaged bone as it heals to avoid malunion. It can also help reduce the pressure off of the healing bones and joints during movement.
But during limb deformities, an external fixator's main goal is to correct the abnormality using the principle called osteodistraction or distraction osteogenesis. The process involves cutting the deformed bone and then intentionally moving it apart (millimeter by millimeter) using a controlled device (external fixator), so new bone may fill the gap.
Maxframe Autostrut Device for Bone Reconstruction at Pinnacle Orthopaedics
Pinnacle Orthopaedics is one of the leading medical facilities that specializes in treating various orthopedic conditions using innovative technologies.
In fact, our very own board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Dr. William Terrell is the first one in Georgia to utilize a computer-assisted robotic strut to treat a patient's bone fracture and repair bone deformity.
Dr. Terrell is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a sports medicine fellowship at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus. He has studied and trained internationally to gain extensive knowledge and experience in orthopedic trauma, limb lengthening, and deformity correction.
Additionally, Dr. William Terrell also received comprehensive training and knowledge on the Ilizarov technique, making him one of the most qualified surgeons to perform the Maxframe Autostrut technique.
For other orthopaedic concerns, you can also visit one of Pinnacle's offices conveniently located near you:
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.