What Are External Fixators?

Fixators are hardware used to hold broken bones together. Unlike  internal fixation —pins, plates, screws and others—with external fixation part of the structure that supports the bone is outside the skin.

How External Fixators Are Applied

External fixation is minimally invasive, but the procedure usually requires general anesthesia. First, the surgeon drills holes into undamaged portions of the fractured bone and installs bolts into the holes. These bolts are connected to rods that are attached to their other end to a frame outside the skin.

External Fixator Uses

Some fractures are stabilized with external fixators if there is severe swelling at the injury site, which can make surgery dangerous, or if severe swelling is anticipated. In selected injuries external fixation frames may be used until the fracture is healed , which can take weeks to months.

External fixation is often used for patients who have skin conditions and lower healing ability, such as people with:

• Diabetes
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)