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fixator

fixator

1 8.6
A device that holds a broken bone or other parts firmly in place during healing
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪkseɪtər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fijador
  • Biomechanical stimuli for bone healing are apparent in fracture fixation by brace, cast, external fixator devices, and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
  • external fixator
  • fixator pins
  • pelvic fixator

Examples

  • Most pediatric orthopaedic surgeons use a stable unilateral external fixator along the lateral aspect of the femur in children.

    Academic text (2006)
  • From 1996, our hospital started using the Ilizarov ring fixator in children under 15 years of age.

    Academic text (2007)
  • And the other is that we try this Ilizarov device, which is called the fixator.

  • Several types of external fixators can be used (see Figures 5 and 6).

    Academic text (2006)
  • Even though Saint Luke's was only five blocks away, it was such a painful move with the fixators on my leg and arm.

  • Three weeks later, the patient was readmitted; the frame fixator showed two broken Steinmann pins, one of which was loose with a surrounding pin-tract infection.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The patient strictly refused and demanded instant re-implantation of a prosthesis, as the external fixator would significantly restrict him in his schedule as a businessman.

    Academic text (2007)
  • When an external fixator is used, pin loosening and pin tract infections are the biggest problems (Schmidt et al., 2003).

    Academic text (2007)
  • A ten-year-old female child was treated for infected non-union of the tibia with application of the Ilizarov fixator after debridement, and compression was applied at the fracture site for monofocal osteosynthesis.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The surgeon applied a fixator to keep the fractured bone in place during the healing process.

Synonyms

catch
vsfixator
52 5.6

A device that holds or locks something closed

provides sustained, rigid support for healing rather than brief locking
fixing
vsfixator
  • UK
13 3.4

A part used to hold something in place

applies a firmer, medical hold aimed at bone or tissue repair
stabilizer
vsfixator
  • US
7 4.1

A device or material that keeps something steady, for example a tripod

holds parts more rigidly and focuses on healing support rather than general steadiness
immobilizer
vsfixator
  • Specialized
1 4.6

A support such as a splint that keeps an injured limb still to help it heal

keeps parts firmly in place specifically for repair and bone healing
engager
vsfixator
  • Specialized
8.8

A moving part that connects to another part to make a machine work

instead prevents movement and holds parts firmly during repair and healing
attacher
vsfixator
6.8

A person or tool that fastens something to another thing

specializes in rigid medical holding of body parts during healing not general joining

Antonyms

106 2.0

Taking something or someone away from a place

1 2.5

A small gap or movement between parts that should be tight

How Stable

fixator
  • Specialized
1 8.6
splint
  • Specialized
12 5.3
brace
85 4.0
dental plate
  • UK
1 5.6

Surface Forms

fixator singular
fixators plural

Morphology

fixator = fix (transparent) = fix + ator

The meaning 'thing that fixes/holds' follows directly from the verb 'fix' plus an agentive suffix, so learners can infer a device that holds something in place.

Etymology

Fixator comes from an old Latin word fixare meaning 'to fasten' and the ending -ator that makes it 'a thing that does' the action. So, a fixator is literally something that fastens or holds parts firmly in place, which is why the word names devices used to keep bones or machine parts steady.