The Role of External Fixation in the Management of Upper Extremity Fractures
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Updated: Aug 2, 2025

Adjustable Stiffness, External Fixator for the Rat Femur Osteotomy and Segmental Bone Defect Models
Published on: October 9, 2014
Michael J Moses1, Nirmal C Tejwani
1From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, NY.
Abstract:
External fixation is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of the active orthopaedic surgeon. The upper extremity, however, poses unique challenges in the techniques of external fixation because of the smaller soft-tissue envelope and the proximity of neurovascular structures, which may be entrapped in fracture fragments or traversing in line with pin trajectories. This review article summarizes the indications, techniques, clinical outcomes, and complications of external fixation of the upper extremity in the setting of proximal humerus, humeral shaft, distal humerus, elbow, forearm, and distal radius fractures.
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Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus