From the Guidelines
Over-distraction in an external fixator can lead to complications such as finger stiffness.
Complications of Over-Distraction
- The most significant complication of over-distraction is finger stiffness, which can have a significant impact on patient outcomes 1.
- While the evidence is inconclusive, it is generally agreed that limiting the duration of fixation can help to minimize complications 1.
- Prolonged external fixation has been associated with poorer outcomes in some studies, although the evidence is not strong enough to define a specific duration for immobilization 1.
- It is essential to balance the need for adequate fixation with the risk of complications, and individualized treatment plans should be developed to minimize the risk of over-distraction and associated complications.
- The use of validated patient outcome scores is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and identifying potential complications 1.
From the Research
Complications of Over-Distraction in External Fixation
- Excess distraction can lead to adverse effects, including potential complications and a negative impact on outcome 2
- Overdistraction of bone fragments can result in poor outcomes, emphasizing the importance of careful management to prevent this issue 3
- The use of external fixation, particularly with overdistraction, may increase the risk of post-operative complications, such as motion loss, infection, and hardware-related issues 4
- Overdistraction can be mitigated with additional stabilization techniques, allowing for immediate reduction of overdistraction and minimizing potential complications 5
- Specific complications associated with overdistraction in external fixation include: