抄録
A Weight-bearing ability of the Hoffmann external fixation apparatus was investigated using an experimental model of the fracture of the tibia. When a conventional model fabricated with universal joints was subjected to a compressive load test, the joints of the orthosis were dislocated at approximately 68kgf; suggesting that this method was not suitable to the weight bearing. When the joints were fitted with spring washers to strengthen the joints, the orthosis was strengthened sufficiently enough to bear the body weight. When loads were repeated on the same model several times, however, the spring washers remained flat and inactive with reduced fixing forces.
When compressive loads were applied to a model fabricated with vices with rods and articulation couplings, the weight bearing was sufficiently possible. This method, However, also had a few shortcomings.
