The Role of External Fixation in the Management of Upper Extremity Fractures.

Abstract

External fixation is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of the active orthopaedic surgeon. The upper extremity, however, poses unique challenges in the techniques of external fixation because of the smaller soft-tissue envelope and the proximity of neurovascular structures, which may be entrapped in fracture fragments or traversing in line with pin trajectories. This review article summarizes the indications, techniques, clinical outcomes, and complications of external fixation of the upper extremity in the setting of proximal humerus, humeral shaft, distal humerus, elbow, forearm, and distal radius fractures.