About External Fixation Pelvis
Key Highlights
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Provides immediate stabilization for life-threatening, unstable pelvic fractures.Helps control internal bleeding by reducing pelvic volume and stabilizing fracture fragments.Allows for early patient mobilization, reducing risks of bed rest like blood clots and pneumonia.Offers a temporary solution that can be applied quickly in emergency trauma situations.Minimally invasive compared to some open internal fixation procedures.Facilitates easier wound care and monitoring of the injured area./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unstable pelvic ring fractures (e.g., Tile type B or C, Young-Burgess APC/LC/VS types).
- Open pelvic fractures with significant soft tissue injury.
- Pelvic fractures associated with hemodynamic instability (shock) to help control bleeding.
- As a temporary stabilization before definitive internal fixation surgery.
- Polytrauma patients where a quick, damage-control orthopedic procedure is needed.
- Certain complex acetabular fractures when used as part of a treatment plan.
How to prepare
- Emergency assessment including Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols for trauma patients.
- Imaging studies: X-rays (AP pelvis, inlet, outlet views) and CT scan of the pelvis to define fracture pattern.
- Stabilization of the patient's general condition, which may include blood transfusions and fluid resuscitation.
- Informed consent process explaining the urgent nature and purpose of the procedure.
- Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Skin preparation and shaving of the insertion sites (anterior iliac crests or other planned pin sites).
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the pin insertion sites (pin tract infection).
- Damage to surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or organs during pin placement.
- Loosening of the pins or failure of the external frame.
- Chronic pain at the pin sites.
- Limited mobility and discomfort due to the external frame.
- Nonunion or malunion of the fracture if used as definitive treatment for unsuitable fractures.
- Scarring and cosmetic concerns.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay focuses on pain management, monitoring for complications, and frame care.
- Patients are taught how to clean the pin sites daily with saline or prescribed solutions to prevent infection.
- Physical therapy begins early to maintain joint mobility and strength in the legs, often with toe-touch weight-bearing.
- Regular follow-up X-rays are taken to monitor fracture healing and frame stability.
- The external fixator is typically removed after 6-12 weeks, either in clinic or during a subsequent surgery for internal fixation.
- After frame removal, a graduated rehabilitation program continues to restore full weight-bearing, strength, and function.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 12-16 weeks for initial healing and frame removal; 6-12 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering external fixation pelvis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for external fixation pelvis in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform external fixation pelvis. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for external fixation pelvis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 5-14 days | ~ 12-16 weeks for initial healing and frame removal; 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 5-14 days | ~ 12-16 weeks for initial healing and frame removal; 6-12 months for full functional recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for External Fixation Pelvis in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing external fixation pelvis.
Michael Williams, a 42-year-old construction foreman...
Michael Williams, a 42-year-old construction foreman and father of three, was the sole provider for his family. His life changed instantly when a steel beam fell from scaffolding, striking his side. He arrived at the emergency room in excruciating pain, unable to move his legs. Imaging revealed a complex, unstable pelvic ring fracture with significant internal bleeding. The orthopedic trauma surgeon explained that Michael's pelvis was like a broken bucket, unable to hold its structure or protect his organs. They recommended an External Fixator to stabilize the fracture immediately, control the bleeding, and allow for safe healing. The procedure, performed under anesthesia, involved placing metal pins into the bone above and below the fracture, connected to an external frame. The experience was daunting; waking up to a bulky metal cage around his hips was a shock. His recovery was long and challenging. He spent six weeks in the frame, initially in the hospital, learning to move with a walker. Physiotherapy was painful but crucial. After the frame was removed, he continued intensive rehab for months. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster. Initially, he was terrified, worried about never working again, about being a burden to his family. He felt frustrated and depressed during the slow recovery. However, with support and gradual progress, his determination grew. A year later, he walks without a limp, has returned to a supervisory (non-manual) role at work, and feels a profound gratitude for his second chance. The external fixator, though a difficult chapter, saved his life and mobility.
Orthopedists for External Fixation Pelvis
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform external fixation pelvis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore