Duration of the treatment
The length of time an external fixator must remain in place varies depending on the underlying injury or disease. In case of fractures, the correct seating of the attached screws and connecting bars should be checked at regular intervals. The external fixator may also be used in addition to other procedures to aid bone healing and may therefore be removed earlier than usual.
The healing of a bone with sufficient stability usually takes about 6 weeks, which is in line with the duration of the usual fixator installation. Since severe and complex injuries and fractures are usually present when an external fixator is used, the retention time of the construction can be longer than 2 months. The duration of treatment with a fixator for artificial stiffening of a joint or callus distraction is usually longer.
Care
After surgery and the placement of an external fixator, the bone structures involved should be connected to each other with sufficient stability. However, in order not to endanger the success of the treatment, the wound and the external fixator must be properly cared for after the operation. This is particularly important because the screws that are inserted into the bone protrude from the skin and are therefore a possible entry point for bacteria.
Infection is an extremely dreaded complication of the external fixator, and the risk can be significantly reduced with proper care. Showering with an external fixator is not recommended. When showering, the construction should be covered with waterproof foil and only sterile liquids should be used for cleaning.
Cleaning with these liquids should be done every day while the fixator is in place. After cleaning, disinfection of the screw exit points is recommended. To prevent dirt from entering the fixator area, a dry dressing should be applied after cleaning. If there are signs of infection, such as sudden redness, swelling or severe pain, a doctor should always be consulted for clarification.