FRACTURE FIXATION

Fracture fixation encompasses surgical techniques designed to stabilise broken bones and maintain proper alignment of the bone fragments during the healing process. These methods are generally classified as internal or external.

Internal fixation involves surgically implanting devices such as plates, screws, rods, or wires directly onto or within the bone, underneath the skin. Its main goal is to achieve anatomical reduction of the fracture, allowing the bone to heal in the correct position and, when appropriate, facilitating earlier movement.

External fixation uses pins or wires inserted through the skin and into the bone, which are then connected to an external frame situated outside the body. This approach is often preferred for intricate or open fractures accompanied by substantial soft tissue damage.

The selection of a specific fixation technique is influenced by several factors, including the fracture’s type, location, severity, and the patient’s overall health. Regardless of the method, the fundamental purpose of fracture fixation is to provide the necessary stability for the bones to unite, ultimately aiding in the recovery of limb function and proper alignment after an injury.