Evaluation of body image and self-esteem in patients with external fixation devices: a Turkish perspective

This descriptive study aimed to describe the body image and self-esteem of patients with external fixation devices.

Fifty patients with external fixation devices who came for follow-up to the Ilizarov Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital in Turkey were included in this study.

Data were collected by using a Demographic Questionnaire Form, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and Coppersmith Self-Esteem Inventory.

The perceived body image (197.58 +/- 25.14) and self-esteem (65.28 +/- 17.97) of the patients with external fixation devices were in the moderate range. There was no significant correlation between body image and self-esteem. Self-esteem was correlated with one's perception of whether external fixation impacted one's appearance and whether one wanted to avoid being seen by certain individuals because of the appearance of the external fixator.

The study highlighted that body image disturbance and threats to self-esteem are not universal with the use of external fixation and need to be assessed individually.