Primary skeletal stabilization and role of external fixations

Abstract

Injuries related to natural disasters and wars are typically high-energy trauma or crush injuries. The majority of these are injuries to the musculoskeletal system [1, 2] and more specifi cally the extremities. Adequate limb stabilization is of major importance. It protects the injured from devastating complications, such as hemorrhage and fat embolisms [3]. High-energy fractures are often open fractures and secondary injuries due to the movement of bone fragments. These processes can lead to an increase in the contamination of bone and soft tissues, resulting in infection, nonunion, and wound healing complications [4]. The rapid and effective stabilization of highenergy trauma wounds can be a life-saving tool in complex trauma patients.