title: The history of external fixation.
abstract: Even though external fixation is considered to be a rather "new" trend in orthopedics and traumatology, in fact it has been something used by physicians and surgeons for thousands of years. In the mid 1800's, external fixation would see some substantial growth and evolution, pioneered by physicians and surgeons whose principles are still in use today. Through the 1900's, the indications and usage would continue to expand, not to mention the modernization of the external fixation apparatus. Many surgeons in this era are notable for their work with external fixation, especially Gavriel Ilizarov, considered to be the father of external fixation. Further research and development with external fixation needs to be performed and, with time, will more than likely become fully integrated into modern clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: McLean County Orthopedics, 2502 East Empire Street, Bloomington, IL 61704, USA.
authors.forename: Gerald W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Paul
mesh_terms: D016267:External Fixators / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000266:history; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000266:history