title: External fixation in trauma of the foot and ankle.
abstract: External fixation as a modality is a versatile and minimally invasive stabilization option that should not be forgotten even as new and specially designed implants for nearly each bone become more fashionable. As a temporary traction device, the external fixator can help condition the soft tissues and, if closed reduction was sufficient, it can stay in place for definitive treatment. The external fixator can be used as an intraoperative distraction device and as a helpful tool for reduction, which can stay in place as a temporary immobilization. External fixation instead of plaster cast allows for better care of skin and soft tissues. External fixation also has its advantages as a minimally invasive external compression device in specific indications for arthrodesis, especially in infected cases.
authors.affiliation: Department for Traumatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 7a, Graz A-8036, Austria. franz.seibert@kfunigraz.ac.at
authors.forename: Franz Josef
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Seibert
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fankhauser
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Nikolaus
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stockenhuber
authors.forename: Gerolf
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peicha
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators; D005529:Foot Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D033023:Foot Joints / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures