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.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 3-6 months (frame duration varies; full recovery may take longer) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 3-6 months (frame duration varies; full recovery may take longer) | Know More |
Emily Gupta is a cheerful 8-year-old...
Emily Gupta is a cheerful 8-year-old who loves gymnastics. During a practice session, she fell awkwardly from the uneven bars, suffering a severe, open fracture of her right tibia and fibula with significant bone displacement and soft tissue damage. The wound was contaminated. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rivera, explained that due to the unstable, complex nature of the break and the risk of infection, internal plates and screws were not safe initially. He recommended an external fixator, a metal frame outside her leg connected to pins in the bone, to stabilize the fracture, allow the wound to be accessed for cleaning, and let the swelling subside. Emily was scared of the 'robot leg' before surgery, but the child-life specialist used a doll to explain it. After the procedure, she managed the pain well with medication. Over 10 weeks, the frame held her bones perfectly aligned as they healed. The pins required careful cleaning to prevent infection. Once the bone was solid, the frame was removed in a quick procedure. Emily was initially anxious about returning to gym, but with physical therapy, she regained strength and confidence. Her emotional journey moved from fear of the unknown device to viewing it as her 'superhero brace' that saved her leg, ending with pride in her resilience.
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.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata