title: [Stabilizing the open fracture with the external fixator].
abstract: External fixation plays a major role in contemporary trauma care. Indications are not limited to the obviously open fracture but also to cases with severe "closed" soft tissue injuries (contusions, burns etc.). The technique is reviewed and importance of pin placement, fixator geometry, minimal internal fixation and staged fixator removal are stressed. The modern external fixation techniques may be used to obtain bony union or they may be used temporarily switching to definitive internal fixation upon obtention of soft tissue healing.
authors.affiliation: Clinique d'orthopédie et de chirurgie de l'appareil moteur, Hôpital cantonal universitaire, Genève.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hoffmeyer
mesh_terms: D016267:External Fixators; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
vernacular_title: Stabilisation de la fracture ouverte par fixateur externe.