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.
To get a high-quality range of external fixators, find experienced Orthopaedic Device Companies.
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.
What Are the Advantages of External Fixation?
When compared to internal fixation, external fixators have several advantages:
The chances of infection are less in the case of external fixation
It ensures less damage to the supply of broken bone
External fixation provides more control over fractured bone than internal fixation
Less blood loss during application
Makes wound cleaning and irrigation easy
What Are the Disadvantages of External Fixation?
Some of the disadvantages of external fixation include:
With external fixation, there is a risk of infection at the sites where pins and wires enter the skin
Increases the bone healing time
The risk of fracture at the site of holes is there once the rods are removed
Carrying a heavy external metal frame is debilitating
How to Perform Routine Activities Safely with an External Fixator System in Place?
One needs to adjust a bit to safely perform routine activities with an external fixator system. Here are some of the tips to be safe:
Moving Around
Walking with an external fixator system is not easy as it is heavy, hence, fatigue is common. Thus, use walking aids to move around easily.
Bathing
You can have a shower with an external fixator in place but avoid using perfumed soaps and shower gels. Do pat dry the frame and skin around the holes properly.
Clothes
You need to get loose clothes stitched especially to wear them easily. Velcro fasteners are always best to be applied around the outer edge of the trouser to wear and remove easily.
Sleeping
You need to have a mattress protector to prevent cuts or tears. Besides this, you can use a couple of pillows to make a comfortable position while sleeping.
For a CE-certified range of orthopedic implants and instruments, including external fixator systems, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. The company is a renowned orthopedic device manufacturer in India and is also known to be a regular exhibitor at FIME Show Miami. In 2023, Siora will exhibit at booth G41 in FIME.