AO/ASIF Principles of Internal Fixation
AO/ASIF Principles of internal fixation
In 1958 the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation
AO/ASIF formulated four basic principles which have become
the guidelines for internal fixation.
They are:
– Anatomic reduction
– Stable internal fixation
– Preservation of blood supply
– Early, active pain-free mobilization
The fundamental aims of fracture treatment are the same
for the limbs and spinal fusion. A specific goal in the spine is to
restore as much function as possible to the injured neural
elements.
AO/ASIF Principles as applied to the spine
Anatomical alignment
Restoration of normal spinal alignment to improve the
biomechanics of the spine.
Stable internal fixation
Stabilization of the spinal segment to promote bony fusion.
Preservation of blood supply
Creation of an optimal environment for fusion.
Early, pain-free mobilisation
Minimization of damage to the spinal vasculature, dura and
neural elements, which may contribute to pain reduction and
improved function for the patient.
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Synthes
USS II Polyaxial Technique Guide
0X6.000.216_AC_0X6.000.216_AC 21.09.10 08:44 Seite 4
