External Fixation Specialist
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Travis Montgomery, DPM, FACFAS, AMOS
Foot and Ankle Surgeon & Wound Care Specialist located in Carmel, IN
If you suffer from a serious bone fracture, external fixation is a safe and effective way to stabilize and repair your limb. Travis Montgomery, DPM, an expert foot and ankle surgeon, specializes in advanced external fixation at his office in Carmel, Indiana. Dr. Montgomery has extensive experience helping patients regain and improve their mobility. To speak with Dr. Montgomery about external fixation, book an appointment by phone or online today.
External Fixation Q&A
What is external fixation?
External fixation is a procedure to treat broken bones. External fixation allows Dr. Montgomery to effectively realign and immobilize your broken bone, allowing it to heal properly.
Similar to internal fixation, external fixation repairs your fracture with a series of pins and screws. With external fixation, however, the pins and screws remain outside the body, connected to an external fixator. The external fixator is an adjustable device that helps stabilize your broken bone.
When is external fixation used?
External fixation is common to treat severe lower limb bone fractures. Dr. Montgomery may recommend external fixation if you experience an open fracture— a broken bone that breaks the skin. He may also recommend external fixation if other methods like open reduction and internal fixation are inappropriate for your fracture.
There are a number of advantages to external fixation. For one, external fixation allows for rapid stabilization of your broken bone while still allowing access to your soft tissue. If you experience a traumatic injury, your blood vessels, skin, muscle, and nerves can also experience significant damage.
External fixation allows Dr. Montgomery to quickly stabilize your broken bone and focus on repairing your damaged soft tissues. External fixation ensures correct placement of your bones and allows him to make necessary adjustments as needed.
In addition to fracture repair, external fixation is also an effective treatment for deformed limbs. External fixation can correct a wide range of deformities affecting the lower leg, foot, and ankle.
What should I expect from the procedure?
External fixation is a surgical procedure that Dr. Montgomery typically performs under general anesthesia. During the procedure, he drills holes into your bone and places a number of pins and wires. He then connects the pins and wires to an external fixator. Dr. Montgomery uses the external fixator to position your limb correctly.
The amount of time you have to wear the external fixator depends on the severity of your condition and the time it takes your bone to heal. You may need to wear the external fixator anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the external fixator is removed, you and Dr. Montgomery discuss the steps you need to take to regain your strength and normal function of your affected limb.
To schedule your visit with Travis Montgomery, DPM, to discuss external fixation, call the office or book online today.
