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External Fixation About the Wrist and the Forearm

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External Fixation in Orthopedic Traumatology

Abstract

Fractures of the forearm and wrist are usually treated with direct osteosynthesis – plates, pins, and screws. These fractures and dislocation are important but unimportant. They do not cause loss of life. Patients with major, life-threatening injuries need life-saving treatments first and intricate limb repair later. The damage control strategy facilitates staged repair. A complex trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation with a dorsal marginal fracture of the distal radius is not well repaired while the patient’s life is at risk from a high-grade bleeding liver laceration. Even in straightforward injures, like both bone forearm fractures it is a useful option to stage repair with external fixation for “traveling traction” followed by planning internal fixation when the forearm bones are at length and the swelling has subsided.

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Correspondence to Cyril Mauffrey .

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Mauffrey, C., Seligson, D., Yerasimides, J. (2012). External Fixation About the Wrist and the Forearm. In: Seligson, D., Mauffrey, C., Roberts, C. (eds) External Fixation in Orthopedic Traumatology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2197-8_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2197-8_7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-2199-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2197-8

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