- Indications:
- definitive stabilization of frx may be achieved w/ external fixation in
certain rotationally unstable but vertically stable injuries;
-
open book frx:
- external fixation is most applicable to stable "open book" pelvic fractures
in which there is intact posterior tension band (
APC II &
APC III)
-
lateral compression injuries:
- ex fix is also used for internally rotated injuries (
LC injuries);
-
vascular injuries:
-
external fixators to contrl hemorrhage
-
suprapubic catheter:
- external fixator is also preferred to avoid bacterial contamination of
pelvic internal fixation when suprapubic catheter is left in place.
-
open frx:
- in open pelvic fracture or abdominal injury w/ peritoneal contamination,
the use of an external fixator allows control of this fracture
pattern and decreases the potential infection rate.
