New Hope for Complex Elbow Fractures: PGI Develops Innovative “Arc Fixator” Technique
No More Plaster, Faster Recovery and Early Movement Possible
By Kumar Sanjay
A promising new technique has been developed by doctors in Lucknow for the treatment of complex and severe elbow fractures in children, specifically supracondylar fractures. Orthopedic specialists at the Apex Trauma Center of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, have introduced the "Arc Fixator", an external fixation system that is proving to be more effective than traditional pinning and plaster methods.
Treatment Without Plaster and Easier Nerve Monitoring
This innovative method not only stabilizes the bone but also allows for easy post-operative monitoring of nerves and blood flow. The most notable advantage is that it eliminates the need for a plaster cast, reducing complications such as elbow stiffness and enabling early initiation of physiotherapy.
Faster Recovery of Elbow Movement
As an external fixation system, the Arc Fixator does not restrict the patient's movement. This accelerates the healing process and allows children to regain normal use of their elbow more quickly compared to conventional treatment methods.
Promising Initial Results
Doctors at SGPGIMS successfully used this technique on 10 children aged between 6 and 12 years.
Out of these, 6 had fractures in the arm.
One patient experienced temporary ulnar nerve palsy due to a flexion-type injury, which resolved naturally within three months.
In three children, the injury had affected the median and ulnar nerves, which also recovered without the need for surgical intervention.
All fractures healed within six weeks, and most children regained normal elbow function within three months.
Expert Opinion
Experts believe this technique offers a safer and more effective treatment option, especially for older children with complex supracondylar fractures. It has the potential to become a widely adopted method in the future.
Research Recognized Internationally
This research has been recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Research.
The team of researchers includes:
Dr. Amit Kumar
Dr. Kumar Keshav
Dr. Anurag Baghel
Dr. Pulak Sharma – Department of Orthopaedics, SGPGIMS, Lucknow
Dr. Anoop Raj Singh – Sheikh-ul-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan Medical College, Saharanpur
Dr. Alok Rai – Department of Orthopaedics, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
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