title: External fixation. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
abstract: External fixation is a method of immobilization that uses percutaneous pins placed in bone and linked with external connectors. The concept of external fixation appears in works of Malgaigne from the mid-19th century. Since Malgaigne's invention many other external fixation systems have been introduced, and external fixation is currently a standard method for treating fractures.
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices / Q000266:history