[Osteosynthesis of forearm bones using the Polfix method with use of atypical implants--preliminary report]. / Osteosynteza kosci przedramienia metoda Polfix z zastosowaniem nietypowych wszczepów--doniesienie wstepne.

A new method of forearm bones fragments fixation in patients with fractures and/or nonunion is presented. Screws within Polfix external fixator have been replaced by threaded Kirschner wires. The fixator and surgical technique are described, long-term results of treatment of 13 fractures/nonunions in 7 patients are demonstrated.

[Polfix fixator in treating fractures and disorders of long bone healing--introductory report]. / Stabilizator Polfix w leczeniu zlaman i zaburzen zrostu trzonów kosci dlugich--doniesienie wstepne.

Polfix, a new method for stable osteosynthesis is presented. This is an evolution of Zespol method used for last 10 years but is mechanically stronger with better elastic properties. Six operated cases allow for initial conclusions only.

[A new type of versatile fixator Polfix]. / Nowy rodzaj uniwersalnego stabilizatora kostnego Polfix.

Theoretical foundations, principles of construction, surgical technique and early clinical findings concerning patients treated with the use of new POLFIX fixator have been presented. It is a small clamp type fixator used (like ZESPOL) for both external and internal osteosynthesis but with better biomechanical and clinical properties. The construction, however, is more complex.

Zespol. An original method of stable osteosynthesis.

Poor clinical results with autocompression plates and six years of biochemical investigations, have led to the conclusion that a plate should not be tightened directly to a bone. Consequently, in 1979, platform screws and special autocompression plates were invented. These were later developed into the original system of stable osteosynthesis called Zespol. The system consists of a plate, platform screws, and nuts that together form a small clamp fixator. The Zespol system enables a surgeon to perform compression, neutralization (protecting) contact, and bridging osteosynthesis. In all types of osteosynthesis, the Zespol fixator can be used either internally or externally. From June 1982 through December 1988, Zespol was applied in 1295 osteosyntheses (850 fractures and 445 pseudoarthroses). The average healing time of fractures was 18 weeks, and in cases of nonunions, 21 weeks. Second operations were required in 5.1% of cases, generally with good or fair results. The overall final results were 97.9% good and fair, and 2.1% poor.