external fixator

EXTERNAL FIXATION OF FRACTURES OF THE TIBIA AND FIBULA

external fixator

A device for holding fractured bones in place by use of external rather than internal fixation. See: illustration

external fixator

A form of bone fixation increasingly used in the management of fractures. A strong steel bar, of circular or square cross-section, lying parallel to the fractured long bone, and securely fixed to it by a number of steel pins passed in through the skin and screwed into the bone above and below the fracture site. The pins are attached to the bar by adjustable brackets.