My approach
Research
Research publications
As an orthopaedic surgeon, my focus is on pushing the boundaries of orthopaedic care through dedicated research and collaboration with industry experts. Each paper represents a step forward in our pursuit of excellence.
Research highlights
Circular external fixation and cemented PMMA spacers for the treatment of complex tibial fractures and infected nonunions with segmental bone loss
We described a structured approach to management of tibial bone loss using a combination of cement spacers and circular external fixation. This study provided the basis for a lot of our thinking around dead space management and creating structured care pathways for these difficult clinical entities.
AH Van Niekerk, FF Birkholtz, P De Lange, K Tetsworth, E Hohmann
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery 25 (2) 2017, 2309499017716242
Radiographic analysis of hexapod external fixators: fundamental differences between the Taylor Spatial Frame and TrueLok-Hex
As experts in Computer Hexapod External Fixators, we described the fundamental differences between two commonly used platforms, but also described a structured approach to radiographic analysis for this type of software.
N Ferreira, F Birkholtz
Journal of medical engineering & technology 39 (3) 2015, 173-176
Superficial radial nerve injury during standard K-wire fixation of uncomplicated distal radial fractures
This anatomic study assisted in contextualising the risk of nerve injury in distal radius fracture fixation.
R Glanvill, JM Boon, F Birkholtz, JH Meiring, AN Van Schoor, L Greyling
ORTHOPEDICS-NEW JERSEY- 29 (7) 2006, 639
The “Road to Union” protocol for the reconstruction of isolated complex high-energy tibial trauma
This study provides and demonstrates the clinical efficacy of a structured care pathway to manage complex tibial trauma with bone loss. The Road to Union protocol provides a guideline to the structured management of these conditions in a way that is effective and predictable.
E Hohmann, F Birkholtz, V Glatt, K Tetsworth
Injury 48 (6) 2017, 1211-1216
Functional and psychological outcomes of delayed lower limb amputation following failed lower limb reconstruction
Sometimes despite our best efforts, amputations are done after failed reconstructions. This study explored what this group’s outcomes looked like after amputation.
L van der Merwe, F Birkholtz, K Tetsworth, E Hohmann
Injury 47 (8) 2016, 1756-1760
Conversion of external fixation to internal fixation in a non-acute, reconstructive setting: a case series
Traditionally, internal fixation would not be an option after prolonged external fixation. This article served to flip the script and change opinion. It has now become more accepted to convert external fixation to internal fixation in a specialised group of patients.
T Monni, FF Birkholtz, P De Lange, CH Snyckers
Strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction 8 2013, 25-30
The relationship between gait and functional outcomes in patients treated with circular external fixation for malunited tibial fractures
In this study we looked at a group of patients with deformity correction after mal-unions. A gait analysis was done and that was correlated with the patient’s functional outcome scores. This correlation is important to understand where functional outcome scores and gait analysis fit into our assessment of patient outcomes.
MA Manjra, J Naude, F Birkholtz, V Glatt, K Tetsworth, E Hohmann
Gait & Posture 68 2019, 569-574
Outcomes following treatment of complex tibial fractures with circular external fixation: a comparison between the Taylor Spatial Frame and TrueLok-Hex
This study showed that two hexapod fixator systems provided similar outcomes in the management of complex tibial fractures.
J Naude, M Manjra, FF Birkholtz, AC Barnard, V Glatt, K Tetsworth, …
Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction 14 (3) 2019, 142
Evaluation of the first experience of intramedullary nail lengthening using PRECICE® in a South African limb lengthening and reconstruction unit
This is a report on our first experience using the Precice nail in our practice. This is one of the lengthening nails we use and this article provided some early data on the outcomes using this technology.
FF Birkholtz, P De Lange
SA Orthopaedic Journal 15 (1) 2016, 67-71
Functional outcomes of the failed plate fixation in distal tibial fractures salvaged by hexapod external fixator
Plate are often used to reconstruct distal tibial fractures like Pilon fractures. Unfortunately they have a rate of complications which often result in bone infection, non-union and ankle destruction. In this series we describe the successful reconstruction of these devastating conditions using a hexapod circular external fixator.
M Molepo, AC Barnard, F Birkholtz, K Tetsworth, V Glatt, E Hohmann
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 28 2018, 1617-1624
