- 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.