External fixation is a type of surgical treatment used to stabilize bone and soft tissue after traumatic injury or surgical osteotomy. External fixation provides an excellent surgical option when attempting to restore bony continuity and a functional limb. It is used for the treatment of acute fractures, mal-unions, non-unions and congenital deformities and charcot foot. Dr. Fernandez utilizes specialized foot rings that he places into the patient’s foot in the operating room and removes 2-8 weeks later. External fixation is a great option if the patient does not want permanent hardware in their body. For example, what can be done with a plate and screws, internally, can also be done, just as well, with external fixation that is removed after the patient has healed. This allows the patient to live a life free of metal implants in their lower extremity.
While external fixation will never fully replace internal fixation, it does offer a number of advantages. Dr. Fernandez has extensive training and currently practices these surgical techniques every day. He looks forward to discussing your options and whether external fixation is the correct procedure for your lower extremity deformity.
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