title: Principles of external fixation of the femur.
abstract: External fixation may be indicated for a variety of traumatic and reconstructive conditions involving the femur. Regardless of underlying pathology and type of external fixator used, fixator placement requires a clear understanding of the unique skeletal and soft-tissue anatomy of the femur. In this review, we outline the principles of safe and effective placement of external fixation for the femur. By following these guidelines regarding femur anatomy and alignment, proper pin-insertion techniques, and aftercare, surgeons should be able to obtain satisfactory results for the majority of appropriately selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA. sabharsa@umdnj.edu
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sabharwal
authors.forename: Shyam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kishan
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Behrens
mesh_terms: D020878:Device Removal; D016267:External Fixators; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans