External fixation
Also called: external fixator, ex-fix
What it means
External fixation uses pins placed into the bone and connected to an outside frame to hold a fracture steady while it heals.
If you ever have a severe fracture, understanding external fixation helps you know what to expect during treatment and healing.
External fixation is a way to stabilize a broken bone from the outside. Metal pins or screws are placed into the bone above and below the fracture through small incisions in the skin, and then connected to a rigid frame or rod system outside the body. This holds the bone pieces in proper alignment while they heal, without needing a cast or implant deep inside the limb.
It's often used when there's significant damage to the skin or soft tissue, a badly broken or unstable fracture, infection risk, or when someone is too unstable for a longer surgery right away. Sometimes it's a temporary measure until swelling goes down or the person is medically ready for internal fixation, such as a plate, screw, or rod placed inside the body.
Caring for pin sites is important, since the pins pass through skin into bone and can become a pathway for infection. Your surgical team will give instructions on cleaning and monitoring the area. Length of time in the frame, weight-bearing instructions, and follow-up plans are all decisions made by the treating surgeon based on the specific fracture and your overall health.
External fixation holds a fracture steady with pins and an outside frame while it heals.
Where this leads
WordExternal fixation uses an outside frame. Curious how internal fixation instead holds a break together with hardware inside the body?
Related words
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Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
