Treatment of hand injuries by external fixation

Thirty-five consecutive applications of external fixation to the hand, including 27 acute cases and 8 reconstructive procedures, were studied. In both settings, external fixation was used not only for skeletal stabilization but also for management of the soft tissues. Twenty of the 22 acute fractures healed, and six arthrodeses with interposition bone grafts resulted in fusion. Three septic nonunions resolved, and two united successfully. There were no complications. We recommend external fixation systems in the hand, and several case reports are included in the study to illustrate the various applications.