Fractures are sometimes severe enough that they cannot be fixed using internal fixation. Such fractures often occur because of high-energy traumas like severe car accidents or crushing injuries. In such cases, orthopedic specialists recommend external fixation. This is where an external metal frame holds the broken bone fragments in the correct alignment. This post will have a quick look at external fixation along with its procedure.
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What is External Fixation?
External fixation is a surgical technique in which the fracture is stabilized from a distance at the site of injury. Here, the orthopedic surgeon will make small holes over the skin of the fracture site to apply pins & wires to the fractured bone. These implants are then attached to an external frame comprising metal rings and threaded rods. The external frame during the procedure remains outside the limb whereas the pins and wires hold the bone fragments from inside.
External fixation is the choice of option when the injury is so severe that the patient is not stable enough to undergo internal fixation. In such cases, the orthopedic specialist will perform external fixation for temporary stabilization of the fracture. Later, internal fixation can be done. In some cases, fractures are accompanied by other life-threatening injuries. Hence, those injuries need to be addressed first and the fracture is temporarily stabilized with an external fixator.
What Are the Uses of External Fixators?
External fixators are used for the treatment of severe fractures that cannot be managed with internal fixation. Such fractures may be comminuted or open. Besides fractures, external fixation is also used for correcting limb length discrepancies, non-unions, osteotomies, and soft tissues like severe burns. Read More.
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