[External fixators combined with other methods]. / Zunanji fiksator in kombinacija z drugimi metodami.

Problems in the treatment of injured persons, especially if lesions of larger organs or organ systems exist, are great. Each method of treatment has some deficiency respectively dark side. In such cases a combination of methods of treatment is a necessity and a rule. In combining various methods, special care must be taken to cover these deficiencies up resp. to improve the methods. Regarding the fact that the method of external fixation has in its indications for treatment numerous combinations, it is also more easily combined with other surgical methods. It proved successful in combinations such as: minimal osteosyntheses acc. to the AO method, additional immobilization in unstable osteosyntheses, in covering of extensive skin defects and soft parts with cross-leg and free grafts, in temporary osteosynthesis in extensive bone defects, in large diastases of public bones and lesion of the posterior urethra, in polytrauma for temporary bone immobilisation, in bone fractures and "compartment syndrome". The analysis of 38 cases shows that our decision was correct, since no unfavourable results were obtained.

[Fractures of the radius in the typical site, conservative and surgical treatment--comparison of results]. / Frakture radiusa v tipicni zoni, konservativno in operativno zdravljenje--primerjava rezultatov.

In the years 1987-1988, 372 fractures of the radius in the typical zone were treated at the trauma station. 178 were included into our study, the remaining 194 did not return for check-ups. 123 cases were treated conservatively and 55 operatively. According to statistical data, more women than men were injured (p < 0.01). More patients aged over 60 were treated conservatively. In operative and conservative treatment, the types of fractures were similar (p < 0.01). In comparing the results of operative treatment with those from 1985, we establish that the present results are better (p < 0.0001), owing above all to the shorter period of time elapsing between injury and operation. In conservative treatment, the results are also better owing to a change in the method of plaster casting. All unstable fractures must be treated operatively. Among the applied operative methods, transcutaneous fixation with Kierschner's wires under X-ray monitoring proved to be the best. Etiologically, injuries listed under other hold the first place, followed by occupational and traffic injuries. Treatment and control must be managed by a surgeon who is acquainted with problems of bone tissue injuries. Continuous cooperation with the physiotherapist is of extreme importance.