title: Temporary external fixation across the ankle after tibial nailing.
abstract: We describe the application of a temporary spanning external fixation device across the ankle in conjunction with intramedullary tibial nailing. This technique can be useful in selected patients with open fractures associated with severe soft-tissue trauma, skin grafts, or muscle flaps. The external fixator allows for wound access and keeps the foot and ankle in a neutral position preventing equinus. A brief period of rigid ankle immobilization is beneficial in preventing muscle motion and sheer stresses on flaps and skin grafts. The external fixator is removed at 3 to 6 weeks once the soft tissues have healed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43614-5807, USA. ggeorgiadis@mco.edu
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Georgiadis
authors.forename: Steven P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Haman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*