The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is a unilateral external fixator special designed for the gradual and acute correction of frontal plane, varus and valgus, metaphyseal deformities of the proximal tibia. The fixator allows for up to 20° varus and 10° valgus correction with the ability to align the hinge to the center of the deformity.

The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is one of the lowest profi le external fixators in the market. The anatomical design, 9 mm thickness and unique half pin locking mechanism allows for greater patient comfort during the recovery period. The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator based on the idea and a patent of Prof. Rainer Baumgart MD (trauma surgeon and mechanical engineer).

Product Descriptions
The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is a one way device which is available in 3 different sizes (small, medium, large) and specially designed for the common treatment of tibia head deformities in the frontal, varus and valgus planes. The device is fixed with 4 conical 6mm half pins. All components are made of titanium: This results in a light weight, more comfortable fixation, and easier to maintain than a ring fixator.

With the Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator, gradual correction takes place and bone formation will occur by callus distraction as is used for bone lengthening.

The Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator is positioned in an anatomical location of thin soft tissue coverage of the bone where little soft tissue movements occur during walking and knee motion.

Static fixation with a plate used to secure a proximal tibial osteotomy may not address the reaction of the ligaments in an appropriate way. Acute corrections frequently result in undercorrection or overcorrection after full load bearing, because the ligaments may react more or less as expected even if the amount of the correction was planned accurately.

In cases of corrections from valgus to varus the peroneal nerve may be stretched, resulting in drop foot. Performing a correction gradually with the Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator may avoid this problem. In addition the amount of correction can be adjusted under load.

By using the Metaphyseal Hinge Fixator in case of open wedge osteotomies bone grafting from the iliac crest may be avoided.