Athletes thrive completely based on their physical strength. They rely on strong bones and joints that help them perform their best in their respective field. However, an unfortunate incident of complex fracture can change their life and career abruptly. Such an incident will not just affect them physically but also harm their emotional and mental well-being. It can become a major challenge to their health and wellness.
Thanks to advancements in the orthopedic sector, there is now a range of equipment that
aids in the fast recovery of such patients. External fixation devices
have proven to be
ideal for treating complex fractures in sports medicine. This article will help you learn
about the benefits of external fixators.
What Are Complex Fractures?
Complex fractures bring obstacles to an athlete’s life and career. Caused by heavy-impact sports activity, this type of injury can disrupt your goals and ambitions. Important aspects of a complex fracture in athletes:
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Definition: It can be identified by the broken bones piercing through the skin tissue, which is a case of an open fracture. Otherwise, you can witness a case of shattering of bones into multiple fragments, which is a comminuted fracture.
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Symptoms: Throbbing pain, open wounds, redness, bruising, swelling, and potential deformities.
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Reasons: Common causes of a complex fracture are high-energy collisions, slip accidents, and forceful direct impact on the bone during sports, such as football, rugby, etc.
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Impact: Extended recovery periods, potential for complications, and psychological stress
If any athlete is facing the above-mentioned symptoms, then he/she must visit an orthopedic surgeon.
Significance of External Fixation Device in Athlete Recovery
External fixator helps to treat complex types of fractures in sports people. It helps by providing stability to the broken bones and aligning them in their original position. An external fixation device comprises a sturdy metal frame that is attached to the body from the outside. It attaches to the internal tissues and broken bibe using orthopedic pins and wire. This device minimizes soft tissue damage while ensuring the necessary stabilization, making it a preferred choice among medical experts.
Advantages of Using an External Fixator for Athletes in Complex Fracture Recovery
The inception of using external fixation devices for complex fracture management is a game-changer. The surgical procedure performed to place this orthopedic equipment is called External Fixation. It is an ideal treatment approach for athletes who are suffering from any type of complex fracture and are willing to return to their sport sooner. Being a part of a minimally invasive procedure, these external fixators play a huge role in boosting the recovery process. Due to its application in the related surgical procedure of external fixation, an external fixator offers multiple benefits. The following are some of the key advantages:
Complete Healing with Minimal Invasiveness
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It stabilizes the complex fractures by attaching the external fixation device to the broken bone externally. This is done by making small incisions to pass the orthopedic pins that connect with the device on the outside.
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There are minimal chances of potential complications after surgery for sports injuries when compared to conventional surgical methods.
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It allows athletes to heal more quickly and start their activities sooner.
Early Mobilization
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Athletes can often begin partial weight-bearing activities as early as the 10th week post-injury.
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Mobility ability is important to begin a rehabilitation program.
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Facilitates a faster return to competitive sports.
Positive Results
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Research shows effectiveness in facilitating recovery.
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Patients with tibial plateau fractures reported fewer hospital stays.
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Some were discharged within just six days.
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No complications were reported later on.
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The ability to adjust the fixator as swelling decreases optimizes healing outcomes.
Psychological Benefits
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Quick recovery helps in reducing the stress and anxiety associated with injuries.
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Also provides the sports people with a reliable recovery method.
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Motivates and boosts the athletes to take charge of their healing journey.
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Allows earlier participation in physical therapy, fostering both physical and mental resilience.
Case Studies for External Fixation Devices in Sports Medical Care
Plenty of clinical evidence and papers show that external fixation, as a procedure, has evolved for treating bone and tissue pathologies. Below are two such cases that focus on the product’s clinical value for fracture recovery in athletes:
1. J-Shaped External Fixator Used for Olecranon Fractures
A study involved 14 patients, which also included athletes. All were treated using the J-shaped external fixation device for the olecranon fractures. The outcomes were amazing, as the operation time was less than that of conventional methods.
Every patient completely recovered with no complications even after a one-year follow-up period. This method allowed for early rehabilitation activities, which is particularly beneficial for athletes aiming to return to their sport quickly.
2. Open Tibial Plateau Fracture:
In this case, there is a stress on highlighting the benefits of a planned approach. A 55-year-old male athlete presented with a severe open tibial plateau fracture. The initial focus was on managing soft tissue damage and controlling infection using external fixation.
After this, internal fixation was performed to stabilize the fracture definitively, resulting in successful healing and the athlete's ability to return to their sport.
External Fixation by Sharma Orthopedic - An Effective Solution to Sports Fracture Care
The application of external fixation devices has proven to be an effective solution for managing fractures in athletes. Their minimally invasive nature facilitates early mobilization, significantly enhancing recovery and the return to sport.
At Sharma Orthopedic, we are dedicated to utilizing advanced techniques like external fixation to address the unique challenges faced by athletes. Our innovative orthopedic solutions are tailored to help athletes regain their quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how our expertise can support your recovery journey and ensure a successful return to the field.