Which statement correctly describes external fixation in terms of stability and mobility?

Which statement correctly describes external fixation in terms of stability and mobility?

• A. External frame maintains bony alignment and can enable earlier mobility.
• B. It uses only internal hardware.
• C. It does not involve any surgical procedure.
• D. It is used exclusively for soft tissue injuries.

Answer: (A)

External fixation stabilizes the fracture by using pins or wires that are placed through the skin into the bone and connected to an external frame. This holds the fracture fragments in proper alignment, providing rigid stability while soft tissues heal. Because the hardware is outside the body, it minimizes additional tissue damage and allows access for wound care and swelling management. With the fracture stabilized in this way, you can begin controlled movement of the surrounding joints sooner, which helps prevent stiffness and promotes quicker rehabilitation compared with prolonged immobilization. It uses external hardware and requires surgical placement of the pins; it is not limited to soft tissue injuries and is not purely non-surgical.

External fixation stabilizes the fracture by using pins or wires that are placed through the skin into the bone and connected to an external frame. This holds the fracture fragments in proper alignment, providing rigid stability while soft tissues heal. Because the hardware is outside the body, it minimizes additional tissue damage and allows access for wound care and swelling management. With the fracture stabilized in this way, you can begin controlled movement of the surrounding joints sooner, which helps prevent stiffness and promotes quicker rehabilitation compared with prolonged immobilization. It uses external hardware and requires surgical placement of the pins; it is not limited to soft tissue injuries and is not purely non-surgical.