External Fixator: Unraveling Its Types, Functions

In the field of modern medicine, the external fixator is playing an increasingly important role. It is a medical device used for fracture fixation and correction of skeletal deformities, bringing new hope for the recovery of patients.

I. Types of External Fixators

1. Unilateral External Fixator
   • Structural features: Composed of a unilateral metal rod and fixation pins. The metal rod is usually located on one side of the limb and is connected to the bone through fixation pins.
   • Scope of application: Suitable for simple fractures such as distal radius fractures and tibial fractures. The unilateral external fixator is relatively simple to operate, easy to install and remove, and has little impact on the patient’s daily life.
   • Example: In the treatment of some open fractures, the unilateral external fixator can quickly stabilize the fracture site, prevent further damage. At the same time, it can also be used for temporary fixation after a fracture, waiting for the surgical opportunity.
2. Circular External Fixator
   • Structural features: Composed of multiple circular metal frames and connecting rods. The fixation pins pass through the skin and bone to fix the circular frame on the limb.
   • Scope of application: Widely used in complex fractures, skeletal deformity correction, and limb lengthening. The circular external fixator has high stability and adjustability, and can be precisely adjusted according to treatment needs.
   • Example: For severe open fractures combined with soft tissue injuries, the circular external fixator can provide stable fixation while allowing soft tissue repair and healing. In limb lengthening surgery, the circular external fixator can achieve slow bone lengthening by gradually adjusting the length of the rods.
3. Hybrid External Fixator
   • Structural features: Combines the characteristics of unilateral and circular external fixators, with both unilateral metal rods and circular frames.
   • Scope of application: Suitable for complex fractures and deformity correction, combining the simple operation of unilateral external fixators and the stability of circular external fixators.
   • Example: In some complex fracture cases, the hybrid external fixator can be personalized designed and installed according to the specific situation of the fracture to provide the best fixation effect.

II. Functions of External Fixators

1. Fracture fixation
   • The external fixator can quickly stabilize the fracture site, relieve pain, and prevent fracture displacement and malunion. Compared with traditional internal fixation, the external fixator has the advantages of small surgical trauma, simple operation, and reliable fixation.
   • In the treatment of open fractures, the external fixator can avoid the risk of infection caused by internal fixation and provide a good environment for soft tissue repair.
   • For some unstable fractures such as comminuted fractures and multiple fractures, the external fixator can provide strong fixation force to promote fracture healing.
2. Skeletal deformity correction
   • The external fixator can achieve skeletal deformity correction by gradually adjusting the angle and length of the frame. This correction method has the characteristics of precision, controllability, and gradualness, and can avoid the huge trauma caused by one-time surgery.
   • For example, for congenital clubfoot, scoliosis and other deformities, the external fixator can be adjusted at different growth stages to achieve the best correction effect.
3. Limb lengthening
   • The external fixator can achieve limb lengthening by slowly stretching the bone. This method is usually used to treat limb shortening deformities and dwarfism.
   • The limb lengthening process requires strict monitoring and adjustment to ensure normal bone growth and healing. The external fixator can provide precise lengthening control and reduce the occurrence of complications.
4. Temporary fixation and transportation
   • In emergency situations, the external fixator can be used as a temporary fixation device to stabilize the fracture site and facilitate the transportation and transfer of patients.
   • For patients with multiple fractures and severe trauma, the external fixator can quickly establish stable fixation and gain time for subsequent treatment.

III. Precautions for the Use of External Fixators

1. Surgical operation
   • The installation of the external fixator requires strict aseptic operation to prevent the occurrence of infection. The surgeon should be familiar with the structure and installation method of the external fixator to ensure firm and stable fixation.
   • During the installation process, attention should be paid to avoiding damage to important tissues such as nerves and blood vessels. The position and angle of the fixation pins should be reasonably selected according to the type and location of the fracture.
2. Postoperative care
   • The patient should keep the external fixator clean and regularly disinfect and change dressings. Avoid external fixator being impacted and twisted by external forces to prevent fixation loosening.
   • After surgery, the blood circulation, sensory and motor functions of the affected limb should be closely observed. If any abnormality is found, the doctor should be notified in time for treatment.
   • The patient should follow the doctor’s requirements for rehabilitation training and gradually restore the function of the affected limb. During the rehabilitation process, attention should be paid to avoiding excessive activity and weight-bearing to avoid affecting fracture healing.
3. Prevention and treatment of complications
   • Some complications may occur during the use of the external fixator, such as pin tract infection, fixation loosening, and nonunion. To prevent the occurrence of complications, the patient should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions for correct care and rehabilitation training.
   • Once complications occur, medical treatment should be sought in time and corresponding treatment measures should be taken. For example, for pin tract infection, local disinfection and anti-infection treatment should be strengthened; for fixation loosening, the position and tension of the external fixator should be adjusted in time; for nonunion, secondary surgery or other treatment methods may be required.

Among many external fixator brands, AMIS Orthopedic is highly recommended. Its products are well-designed and reliable, providing stable fixation while paying attention to patient comfort and convenience. Whether it is a unilateral external fixator, circular external fixator or hybrid external fixator, AMIS Orthopedic can meet the needs of different patients and provide strong support for orthopedic treatment.