Foot and ankle clinics
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Foot and ankle clinics · Sep 2004
Review Case ReportsThe bridge and barrel hoop plates as alternatives to external fixation techniques in the foot and ankle.
External fixation is a useful tool for treating severe traumatic injuries to the foot and ankle. External fixation, however, does have associated complications, such as inadequate fixation and pin tract infections. Temporary bridge plating of the medial, lateral, or both columns is a useful alternative to external fixation for treating multilevel foot injuries. This article describes the technique of temporary bridge plating which may be used as an alternative to external fixation.
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External fixation in arthrodesis of the midfoot offers a versatile alternative when internal fixation is contraindicated or impossible. Most often, the small wire fixator, such as the Ilizarov device, provides the stability that is necessary to achieve solid union. External fixation allows for continual compression and the ability to produce gradual deformity correction, if necessary.