Simple fracture, transverse

Indications

• Satisfactory alignment in cast with end-on-end reduction (< 5°-10° angulation or rotation)
• Risks of surgery and anesthesia exceed benefits

Contraindications

• Open fractures
• Excessive displacement on initial x-ray
• Unacceptable alignment after initial reduction or developing later

Advantage

• Surgical risks avoided

Disadvantages

• Risk of secondary displacement
• Cast immobilization required until healed (transverse fractures often heal slowly, especially if initial displacement is severe)
• Increased follow-up exams and x-rays

The modular external fixator is optimal for temporary use. It is rapidly applied without need for intraoperative x-rays and can be adjusted later. It allows the surgeon to reduce the fracture by manipulation and to hold the reduction.

Further indications

• Open fractures involving bone loss
• Compartment syndrome (after or before fasciotomy)
• Local or systemic contraindications to internal fixation

Advantages

• Allows for subsequent definitive fixation
• Free pin placement to avoid nerves, vessels, or damaged soft-tissues
• Useful for stabilizing open fractures
• Good option in situations with risk of infection
• Requires less experience and surgical skill than standard ORIF

Disadvantages

• Pin-track infection (increases over time)
• Healing time may be prolonged
• Cumbersome and not always well tolerated

When external fixation is used for definitive treatment of a fracture, it may be useful to do this with a uniplanar fixator. It requires anatomical reduction and precise application.

The advantage is that fewer clamps and rods have to be used than in the application of a modular external fixator. The disadvantage, however, is that the reduction cannot be corrected after two pins have been placed in each fragment. In order to adjust the position, the single rod must be exchanged for a modular external fixator with multiple rods.

Further indication

• Local or systemic contraindications to internal fixation

Contraindication

• Only temporary external fixation is needed (modular external fixation preferred)

Advantage

• More stable than modular external fixation

Disadvantages

• Accurate reduction required before application of the fixator
• C-arm required for reliable application
• Pin-track infection (increases over time)
• Risk of nerve / vascular injury
• Healing time may be prolonged
• Fixator remains until fracture is healed
• Cumbersome and not always well tolerated

Indications

• Bone loss
• Late presentation with deformity
• Need for surgical stabilization (potentially adjustable)
• Local or systemic contraindications to internal fixation

Contraindication

• Patient can be treated safely with internal fixation

Advantages

• Definitive minimally invasive surgical stabilization
• Offers options for reconstruction of bone loss and/or deformity

Disadvantages

• Highly complex, requires experience
• Pin-track infection
• Reduction adjustment may be difficult
• X-ray imaging difficult with complex frame

Indications

• Any tibial diaphyseal fracture with a normal medullary canal and sufficient length of end segments
• Need for surgical stabilization

Contraindications

• Deformed medullary canal (old fracture; hardware)
• Risks of surgery and anesthesia exceed benefits
• Medullary infection (late presentation)
• Proximal or distal fracture compromising IM nail use
• Lack of appropriate nail size and configuration

Advantages

• Good stability and durability
• Little damage to soft-tissue envelope
• Early weight bearing and rehabilitation are often possible

Disadvantages

• Requires appropriate equipment
• Requires experienced surgeon
• Technical difficulties with proximal and distal fractures

Indications

• Proximal and distal fractures
• If intramedullary nailing is contraindicated
• Displaced and/or unstable fracture
• Closed reduction possible

Contraindications

• Inability to do closed reduction (may need to open)
• Risks of surgery and anesthesia exceed benefits

Advantages

• Offers absolute stability
• Limited surgical trauma

Disadvantages

• Requires accurate reduction
• Might injure overlying skin envelope
• Demanding procedure
• Weight bearing should be delayed

Indications

• Any transverse diaphyseal fracture
• Displaced and/or unstable fracture
• If plate is preferred to IM nail

Contraindications

• Poor soft-tissue condition
• Risks of surgery and anesthesia exceed benefits

Advantages

• Open reduction usually successful
• Offers absolute stability
• No fluoroscopy needed

Disadvantages

• Requires fracture exposure
• Requires good plating technique
• Weight bearing should be delayed
• Risk of infection