What Is External Fixation?

20 Aug What Is External Fixation?

Fractures and broken bones are nothing to scoff at as these are injuries that should be handled with the utmost care. Although they may not be life-threatening, proper treatment needs to be administered right away to allow the healing to take place. In extreme cases, failing to do so can lead to functionality being permanently impaired. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, we can help prevent this situation from happening. Our orthopedist in Garden City can utilize what is known as external fixation to get you back to full strength, with minimal complications.

What Is External Fixation?

This method of treatment is a surgical procedure that involves immobilizing bones, allowing them to heal properly. It is typically reserved for serious bone breaks, but can also be used for bone misalignments, restoring limb length, and protecting soft tissues after a burn or other injury. Our orthopedist in Garden City can perform the surgery that gives you the best chance of making a full recovery.

How It Works 

During a procedure required for external fixation, pins or screws are placed into the bone on both sides of the fracture. These inserted objects hold the bone in place and allow it to heal properly. Due to its invasive nature, patients are put under through the use of general anesthesia. Once this is done, our orthopedist in Garden City will perform the procedure, which includes the following steps:

• Drilling holes into the undamaged area of the fractured bone.
• Screwing special bolts into these holes.
• Rods with ball-and-socket joints are then placed into these holes to hold the bones in place.
• Properly aligning the bone by adjusting the ball-and-socket joints accordingly.

Who Shouldn’t Get External Fixation Surgery?

Although external fixation can be beneficial for many people, our orthopedist in Garden City warns that it is not for everyone. Our team will perform a full evaluation of your condition before recommending that you go under the knife. Examples of those who should not go with this procedure could include anyone that meets the following criteria:

• Those who suffer from bone-deterioration disorders.
• People who are unable to properly care for the pins and wires.
• Anyone that is living with a compromised immune system.

Contact Our Orthopedist In Garden City

When you’re suffering from bone-related issues, you shouldn’t wait to seek out care. Here at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, we’ll work diligently to determine if you could benefit from external fixation. If you’d like more information regarding this form of treatment, be sure to contact our team today.