external fixator

Question 1

what is an external fixator

Answer 1

device placed outside the skin that stabilize bone fragments with pins or wires connected to bars

Question 2

indication for external fixators

Answer 2

open fracture with soft tissue injury
closed fracture with soft tissue compromise
fixation of pelvic fractures
definitive tx of some long bones and pelvis

Question 3

what are the different types of external fixaators

Answer 3

uniplanar, biplanar, circular (ring), hybrid(combines ring and planar)

Question 4

complications of external fixators

Answer 4

pin tract infection 
pin loosening 
pin migration 
impalement of nerves and muscles
chronic osteomyelitis 
malunion/nonunion