Tightening torque has the potential to disrupt fracture reduction or alignment – especially early in frame construction when pin numbers are minimal. Applying minimal torque to the pin bolts early in frame design followed by increases as subsequent pins are placed can minimize this potentially disruptive force. Tightening torque can be neutralized during clamp tightening with use of the two-wrench technique. An open-end wrench placed on the flat surfaces of the head of the primary bolt, or on the flats of the clamp body, is used to neutralize torque force while a second wrench is used to tighten the clamp. After complete frame construction and verification of reduction accuracy, apply final torque to all bolts in an alternating fashion.

The mini SK clamp is designed to function with pin diameters from 0.9 mm (0.035”) to 2.5 mm. Representative pins include most miniature Interface pins, all miniature Centerface pins, 2.5 mm Duraface pins, 2.0/2.5 mm Interface and Centerface pins. 1.6 mm (0.062”) and 2.0 mm (0.078”) miniature Interface pins are very popular with the mini SK ESF clamp. While the mini SK clamp can hold pins as small as 0.9 mm and is very compact, there will be kittens, toy breeds, avian patients and exotics that are simply too small for mechanical fixators. Such patients will benefit from Acrylx ESF frames constructed using miniature Interface or Centerface pins.

The small SK clamp is designed to utilize pin diameters from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm in Duraface or positive-profile designs. Commonly used Duraface pins include 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.0 mm. Commonly used Interface and Centerface pins include 2.0/2.5 mm, 2.4/3.2 mm, 2.8/3.5 mm and 3.2/4.0 mm.

The large SK clamp is designed to handle 3.0 mm to 4.8 mm pin diameters in either Duraface or positive-profile pin designs. The maximum pin diameter that can be passed directly through the clamp bolt is 4.8 mm (3/16”). Representative pins include 4.0 mm, 4.3 mm and 4.8 mm Duraface pins. Commonly used Interface and Centerface pins include 3.2/4.0 mm, 3.5/4.3 mm and 4.0/4.8 mm.