title: External fixation. Historic review, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and indications.
abstract: The immobilization of fracture fragments by the insertion of pins connected externally by plaster, metal devices, or other appliances is not a new concept. In the past two centuries external fixation has enjoyed long periods of enthusiastic use alternating with intervals of total disrepute.
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices / Q000009:adverse effects