Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42154231›Full record

ReviewOperative Orthopadie und Traumatologie2026

The small distractor-a useful tool for the trauma surgeon.

Christian Michelitsch, Philipp F Stillhard, Veit Schoenborn, Yves P Acklin, Christoph Sommer

Abstract readReview
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In one paragraph

Review in Operative Orthopadie und Traumatologie, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Christian MichelitschDepartment of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Loëstrasse 170, 7000, Chur, Switzerland. christian.michelitsch@ksgr.ch.
Philipp F StillhardDepartment of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Loëstrasse 170, 7000, Chur, Switzerland.
Veit SchoenbornDepartment of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Loëstrasse 170, 7000, Chur, Switzerland.
Yves P AcklinDepartment of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Loëstrasse 170, 7000, Chur, Switzerland.
Christoph SommerDepartment of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Graubünden, Loëstrasse 170, 7000, Chur, Switzerland.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundModern trauma surgery requires advanced strategies to manage complex fracture patterns effectively, ensuring optimal anatomical alignment and functional outcomes while minimizing soft tissue damage. Among the tools available, the small distractor has proven invaluable in achieving precise fracture reduction across various anatomical regions. TECHNIQUE: By utilizing principles such as ligamentotaxis or temporary overdistraction of joints, the small distractor allows for effective approximation of fracture fragments with minimal manipulation for better visualization of articular surfaces, thus preserving vascular integrity and surrounding soft tissues. Its ability to maintain specific force vectors enables correction of axial and torsional malalignments, while providing provisional stabilization before definitive fixation. ADVANTAGES: The advantages of the small distractor include quick and versatile placement, reduced soft tissue damage, shorter operation times, decreased radiation exposure, fewer wound healing complications, and faster recovery for patients. Despite requiring specialized instruments and carrying some risks, such as malalignment from unrecognized forces, the benefits far outweigh these drawbacks.

resultsThe small distractor is routinely used in our clinic and has become indispensable for its versatility and effectiveness in improving surgical outcomes. Its ability to enhance fracture reduction and alignment highlights its role as a critical tool in modern trauma surgery. With consistent success across diverse cases, it represents a significant advancement in achieving optimal patient care.

Indexed as

DistractionFracture reductionLigamentotaxisSoft tissue managementSurgical outcomes

Identifiers

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.