What is Fracture Fixation Surgery?
Fracture fixation surgery is a medical procedure used to treat severe or complex fractures that cannot heal properly on their own. The goal is to stabilize the bone, ensure proper alignment, and facilitate healing. This is achieved using various devices such as plates, screws, rods, or pins, depending on the type and location of the fracture.
Types of Fracture Fixation Techniques
Fracture fixation can be broadly categorized into two types based on the approach used:

Internal Fixation
Internal fixation involves surgically placing devices like metal plates, screws, rods, or wires inside the body to stabilize the broken bone. These devices are typically left in place permanently or until complete healing occurs.
- Plates and Screws: Used to hold broken bone fragments together for proper alignment.
- Intramedullary Rods (Nails): Inserted into the bone’s canal for stability, commonly used in long bone fractures like the femur or tibia.
Wires and Pins: Frequently used for smaller bones, such as in hand or foot fractures.

External Fixation
In this approach, a frame or stabilizing device is placed outside the body and connected to the bone fragments using pins or screws. External fixation is commonly used in open fractures, where the skin and soft tissues are damaged, or as a temporary solution before definitive surgery