What is the most serious disadvantage of an external fixator?

There are some drawbacks, however, which include: More maintenance and compliance is required. The frame is bulky and cumbersome. There is a chance of fracture at the hole sites once the rods are removed.

Which is the most common complication of an external fixator?

Complications of External Fixation: Pin Site Infections

Pin site infections are the most common complication of circular external fixation . It is important to maintain a stable construct throughout the course of treatment because loosening of the fixation can lead to inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue.

What is a risk for a patient with an external fixator?

Patients with advanced age, multiple medical comorbidities, a prolonged duration of treatment in the external fixator, and those undergoing active correction are at an increased risk of pin site infections which may lead to additional complications such as osteomyelitis, pin loosening, loss of alignment, or premature ...

What is indication for external fixator?

General indications for external fixation include clinical scenarios where; 1) percutaneous correction of alignment, or mechanical stimulation of the non-union site is required; 2) fixation of juxta-articular or 'emmental' bone fragments is necessary; and 3) staged bone or soft tissue reconstruction is anticipated.

How much does an external fixator hurt?

Is it painful to have the external fixation on the leg? Not more so than other operations in general. Typically, the first few days may be painful and this usually requires strong painkillers given whilst still in hospital. Once the pain settles, it is not painful to have the external fixator attached to the limb.

Jillian's Tips for Wearing an External Fixator

What are the disadvantages of external fixation?

How much does an ex fix weigh?

The fixator is a series of metal rings and wires or pins that pass thru the bone to hold the surgical positioning of the bones. The fixator weighs approximately 4 pounds. The fixator will remain in place for 8-12 weeks on average. You will then return to the operating room to have it removed.

When should external fixator be removed?

Most fractures of the lower leg heal from between 6 and 12 weeks. After this time the external fixators are removed using specialised wrenches and can be removed without any anaesthesia.

How do you care for an external fixator?

Remove any clear or yellow drainage with a cotton swab (use a separate swab for each pin site) or tweezers that are cleaned with alcohol on sterile gauze before using and between each pin. Use a squeeze bottle to squirt saline on each pin and surrounding skin. Do not touch the tip of the bottle to the pins or skin.

What are the principles of external fixation?

The fixator design and biomechanics have changed dramatically over the years, but the principles remain the same. The primary goal of external fixation is to maintain the length, alignment, and rotation of the fracture. External fixation can serve as provisional fixation or definitive fixation purposes.

What happens after removal of external fixator?

After removal of the external fixator, the pin sites are not sutured closed, but are allowed to heal. They usually will close over within four to six days and small scars form. Sometimes these scars are large and dimpled and other times they heal with minimal scarring.

How do I know if my pin is infected?

What does an infected pin site look like?

Signs & Symptoms of infection include:

Warmth in the general area of the pin or wire. Swelling around the pin or wire. May be hard or fluid-like. Drainage from the pin or wire, characteristics may vary such as consistency, color and odor.

What is a benefit of using external fixators to repair a fractured bone?

An external fixator provides good, temporary stability until the patient is healthy enough for the final surgery. Other times, an external fixator can be used as the device to stabilize the bone until healing is complete. This patient's fractured thighbone has been stabilized with external fixation.

How long do you have an external fixator?

How long do I have to wear the external fixator? Typical external fixator patients wear the device from four to twelve months. The severity of the problem you need reconstructed, your health, weight and other factors play a role in the length of time you will need to wear the external fixator.

Can you walk after external fixator removal?

Your bone has just lost the support of your external frame, and now it is vulnerable. You must “take a step back” and limit your weight bearing to 50% of body weight. Use the crutches at all times. This protective period lasts typically 2 weeks.

How long does it take for a bone hole to heal?

Given that most holes left behind by internal fixation techniques usually heal in approximately 8 months, if they ever heal at all, the loss in bone strength during this time is significant enough to potentially put the patient at risk for further injury.

Does it hurt to have pins removed from bones?

Elbow pins are usually removed in the office in a matter of seconds. Although patients may be anxious or cry, the pain is minimal or not painful at all. We usually place an ace wrap over the pin sites, which can be replaced with a band-aid the next day. Physical therapy is usually not necessary.

How do you lift your leg with an external fixator?

Lift leg with knee bent, as if marching. Standing hip abduction: Stand with hand on a support. Tighten outer thigh and lift leg to the side, keeping knee straight and trunk upright.

Can you pull on an external fixator?

Weight-Bearing Precautions

Many patients are weight-bearing as tolerated with the external fixator. This means they can walk normally on the fixator, but they cannot run or jump.

Is removal of external fixator painful?

Results The average pain prior to fixator removal was of 3.61. Shortly after the procedure, the patients reported that, on average, the most intense pain scored 6.68, and the least intense pain, 2.25 points. The average pain variation was of 4.43 points, and pain after 1 week scored, on average, 2.03 points.

How do you sleep with an external fixator?

Your sleep will be limited to one position – your back. Elevate the limb with the external device for comfort and security. You may want to sleep with the fixator frame cover on to avoid ripping the sheets.

How can I make my external fixator more comfortable?

It is helpful to use pillows or blankets to accomplish this. To move the affected extremity, the leg external fixator must be moved together as a unit. The amount of assistance needed depends on your ability to control the leg during the move. Make sure not to place your hands under the fracture site during movement.

How do they remove external fixator?

The tension is taken out of the external fixator as much as possible by undoing the nuts and bolts. The wires are cut close to the skin at one side, cleaned with antiseptic cleanser and pulled out at the other side. This procedure usually takes up to 30 minutes in total.

Can you put weight on an external fixator?

Don't put full weight on your orthopedic fixation device at first. Over time, as your leg becomes stronger, your surgeon will instruct you to put more weight on it. Don't get your fixator wet until cleared by your surgeon. Don't use objects such as pencils, rulers or toothbrushes to scratch around fixator or pin sites.