External Fixator Removal Treatment in India
About External Fixator Removal
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a short duration.Eliminates the external hardware, improving comfort and mobility for the child.Essential final step to complete the bone healing process initiated by the fixator.Performed under anesthesia to ensure the child is pain-free and still.Small pin-site scars typically heal well and become less noticeable over time.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed radiographic (X-ray) evidence of complete bone healing or consolidation.
- Successful completion of the intended treatment period for fracture stabilization.
- Correction of a bone deformity (e.g., from congenital conditions or growth disturbances) is achieved.
- Management of a bone infection (osteomyelitis) requiring the removal of hardware.
- Patient discomfort, pin-site infections, or other complications that necessitate early removal.
How to prepare
- Recent X-rays are reviewed by the surgeon to confirm adequate bone healing.
- A pre-operative check-up assesses the child's overall health.
- Fasting instructions (no food or drink) for several hours before anesthesia are provided.
- Discussion with the family about the procedure, anesthesia, and what to expect afterward.
- Arranging for transportation home, as the child will not be able to drive or travel alone post-procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or bruising at the pin removal sites.
- Infection at the former pin sites, though less common after removal.
- Minor nerve or blood vessel irritation during pin extraction.
- Refracture of the healed bone if excessive stress is placed on it too soon after removal.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia medications (rare).
- Scarring or skin dimpling at the pin sites.
Recovery & hospital stay
- The child is monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off.
- Small bandages are placed over pin sites; keep them clean and dry as instructed.
- Mild pain or soreness is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Gradual return to normal activities is encouraged, but high-impact sports may be restricted for a period.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and to begin guided physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time:
1-2 weeks for pin-site healing; 4-6 weeks for full bone remodeling and return to sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering external fixator removal 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 removal. 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 removal compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 50 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for pin-site healing; 4-6 weeks for full bone remodeling and return to sports | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 175 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for pin-site healing; 4-6 weeks for full bone remodeling and return to sports | Know More |
Saanvi Ali, a cheerful 8-year-old, was...
Saanvi Ali, a cheerful 8-year-old, was an active gymnast until a complex fall from the uneven bars 6 months ago resulted in a severe, open fracture of her right forearm. The bone was broken in multiple places and the skin was broken, requiring immediate surgery to clean the wound and stabilize the bones with an external fixator, a metal frame with pins going into her bone through her skin. For six months, Saanvi navigated school and life with the bulky frame, which was challenging but kept her bones aligned for healing. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, recommended removal now that X-rays show solid bone union. The removal procedure was done under general anesthesia. Saanvi was very nervous about 'them taking the metal out,' fearing it would hurt like the initial injury. The actual procedure was quick, and the pin sites were cleaned and dressed. In recovery, she was relieved to find the pain minimal, managed with simple medication. Within days, she was moving her wrist and elbow more freely. The small pin-site scars are fading. Emotionally, Saanvi transitioned from viewing the fixator as a scary, limiting cage to seeing it as a 'helper' that fixed her arm. After removal, her confidence soared. She feels 'free' and is eagerly, though cautiously, working with a physiotherapist to regain strength, dreaming of returning to the gym.
Pediatric Orthopedics for External Fixator Removal
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform external fixator removal 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