External fixation of tibial fractures.
External fixation for definitive or initial management of tibial fractures has a long history, with pin-to-bar external fixation being the standard of care for definitive management. However, the use of this method has lessened because of the increased popularity of intramedullary nailing and drawbacks associated with external fixation. This method is still commonly used in the military environment and can be used for temporary stabilization of tibial fractures, especially in the setting of periarticular injuries. These fixators also may be useful for salvage of open and/or infected fractures that are unsuitable for internal fixation.
Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York.
Nirmal C
NC
Tejwani
David
D
Polonet
Philip R
PR
Wolinsky
D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*