Temporary external fixation for the management of complex intra- and periarticular fractures of the lower extremity

Complex intra-articular and periarticular fractures of the lower extremity are challenging injuries to treat. Recently, the concept of utilizing a staged approach with temporary external fixation, a delay to allow soft-tissue healing followed by open reduction and internal fixation, has gained popul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of orthopaedic trauma Vol. 16; no. 9; p. 678
Main Author Haidukewych, George J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.10.2002
Subjects
Clinical Protocols
Debridement
External Fixators
Femoral Fractures - diagnostic imaging
Femoral Fractures - surgery
Fracture Fixation - methods
Humans
Radiography
Tibial Fractures - diagnostic imaging
Tibial Fractures - surgery
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Summary:Complex intra-articular and periarticular fractures of the lower extremity are challenging injuries to treat. Recently, the concept of utilizing a staged approach with temporary external fixation, a delay to allow soft-tissue healing followed by open reduction and internal fixation, has gained popularity. Historically high complication rates appear to be significantly improved with this strategy. Temporary external fixation is also useful in other settings, such as in the initial management of polytraumatized patients with multiple complex fractures, augmentation of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, etc. This article reviews current indications, techniques, potential complications, and results of temporary external fixation for complex fractures of the lower extremity.
ISSN:0890-5339
DOI:10.1097/00005131-200210000-00012