About External Fixator Application
Key Highlights
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Provides excellent stability for complex or unstable fractures.Minimizes disruption to the bone's blood supply, promoting better healing.Allows for gradual adjustment and correction of bone alignment post-surgery.Useful for limb lengthening and correcting significant deformities.Often chosen when the injury site is contaminated or has poor soft tissue coverage.The external frame is typically removable after the bone has healed sufficiently./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe open fractures with significant bone loss or contamination.
- Unstable or comminuted (shattered) fractures that cannot be stabilized with a cast.
- Fractures associated with severe soft tissue injuries or burns.
- Limb lengthening procedures for conditions like limb length discrepancy.
- Correction of congenital or acquired bony deformities (e.g., from Blount's disease).
- Infected fractures or non-unions (where a previous fracture has not healed).
- Certain pelvic fractures in children.
How to prepare
- A comprehensive orthopedic evaluation, including physical exam and imaging (X-rays, CT scan).
- Pre-operative blood tests and a general health assessment to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of the procedure, its goals, and the care required for the external frame with the child and parents.
- Instructions on fasting (no food or drink) for a specified period before surgery.
- Bathing with a special antiseptic soap may be recommended the night before or morning of surgery.
- Planning for post-operative pain management and mobility assistance.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the pin or wire entry sites through the skin.
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels during pin insertion.
- Pin loosening or breakage.
- Delayed union or non-union of the fracture.
- Joint stiffness or limited range of motion.
- Risk of refracture after the frame is removed.
- Scarring at the pin sites.
- Potential for psychological adjustment to wearing an external device.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is required for initial pain control, monitoring, and frame adjustment.
- Thorough education on daily pin site care to prevent infection is provided.
- Pain is managed with medications, and swelling is controlled with elevation.
- Physical therapy begins early to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.
- Regular follow-up visits are crucial for X-rays and potential frame adjustments.
- Activities are restricted; the child must avoid contact sports and activities that could impact the frame.
- The external fixator is typically worn for several weeks to months, depending on healing.
- After removal, a period of protected weight-bearing and continued therapy is common.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months (frame duration varies; full recovery may take longer)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering external fixator application in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform external fixator application. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics 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 fixator application compare across other countries where we have data.
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow...
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow in a playground fall, and Dr. Prashanth Inna was absolutely phenomenal. He explained the complex procedure in simple terms, calmed our nerves, and the minimally invasive surgery went perfectly. His follow-up care was thorough, and she's now back to gymnastics without any issues!
Pediatric Orthopedics for External Fixator Application
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform external fixator application and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 24 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 9 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur