External fixation is a surgical method of immobilizing bones to enable a fracture to heal accurately. It is utilized to provide stability to the bone and soft tissue after a severe break. However, it can even be applied as a procedure to restore limb length, correct bone misalignment, or protect soft tissue after a severe injury or burn.
External fixation to repair broken bone:
External fixation is accomplished by inserting Pins or bone screws (Orthopedic Implants) into the bone on both sides of the fracture. The pins are secured together outside of the skin utilizing a series of rods and clamps referred to as the external frame.
External fixation is done by an orthopedic surgeon and is often done under general anesthesia and the orthopedic equipment’s used by surgeons are generally provided from Orthopedic Implants Manufacturers In India.
The procedure itself sometimes follows the following steps:
1. Holes are drilled into the undamaged parts of bones around the fracture.
2. Special bolts are screwed into the holes.
3. Adjustment can be made to the ball-and-socket joint to make sure the bone is aligned accurately with as little, if any, shortening of a bone.
4. Outside of the body, rods with ball-and-socket joints are attached with the bolts.
The parts of the skin that are pierced by the procedure need to be cleaned frequently to prevent infection. In some cases, a cast may have to be applied.
The removal of the bolts and external frame can often be done in the office of a doctor with no anesthesia. Fractures have been identified to occur at the drill sites and, as such, extended protection may be required after device removal.
Advantages and considerations of external fixation:
The main benefit of external fixation is that it is rapidly and easily applied. The infection risk at the fracture site is minimal, although there is a chance of infection where the rods are inserted through the skin.
External fixators are usually utilized in serious traumatic injuries as they enable for rapid stabilization while enabling access to soft tissues that may even require treating. This is specifically vital when there are significant damage to muscle, skin, blood vessels, or nerves.
The external fixation also ensures proper extension, compression, or neutralization of bone placement while allowing movement of the nearby joints. This not only helps in setting the bones accurately but also helps to reduce muscle atrophy and edema (the buildup of excess fluid) caused by the total immobilization of a limb.
External fixation is contraindicated under the following conditions:
· Persons who aren’t able or willing to properly care for the wires and orthopedic pins
· Bone-related disorders or deterioration that make stabilization less assured
· An individual with severely compromised immune systems who is at greater risk of infection.
Other uses of external fixation:
Beyond the immediate repair of a compound or severe fractures, external fixation may be utilized to treat or repair other conditions. These include surgeries to correct bone malformations that lead to the shortening of a limb.
External fixation may also be utilized to retain the integrity of bone structures (for example, the hand) after a severe burn or injury. Without fixation, the damaged or exposed tissue may contract from the accumulation of scar, causing long-term or even permanent limitation of movement.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. a Trauma Implants Manufacturer In India for more than three decades offers various designs of External Fixator Systems suitable for use for bones of lower extremities, upper extremities, foot and hand.
Uses and Advantages of External Fixation
Reviewed by Pravesh Kumar Maurya
on
04:27
Rating:
Reviewed by Pravesh Kumar Maurya
on
04:27
Rating:
No comments: