Ext Fix

The most common indication for external fixation of the tibia in acute trauma is:

• Simple closed transverse fracture

• Compound (open) fracture with soft tissue injury

• Pathological fracture

• Stress fracture

Which of the following is an advantage of external fixation over internal fixation in open tibial fractures?

• Lower infection risk in clean wounds

• Allows early weight-bearing in all cases

• Avoids implant placement in contaminated wound

• Prevents malunion entirely

The optimal pin placement in external fixation of the tibia should:

• Pass through the fracture site

• Be as close to the fracture as possible

• Avoid neurovascular structures and tendons

• Be perpendicular to the bone only in AP view

Which of the following is a late complication of external fixation?

• Pin tract infection

• Osteomyelitis

• Compartment syndrome

• Neurovascular injury

In the tibia, the safe corridor for proximal half-pin insertion is:

• Anterolateral surface

• Medial surface

• Anteromedial surface

• Posterolateral surface

When applying a unilateral external fixator to a tibia, the ideal pin spread on each side of the fracture should be:

• 1–2 cm

• 3–4 cm

• Maximum possible distance within safe zone

• Equal to fracture gap length

Which pin care principle is correct to reduce infection risk?

• Frequent pin removal and reinsertion

• Use of antiseptic cleaning daily after 48 hours post-op

• Avoid dressing changes entirely

• Use of oral antibiotics for entire duration of fixation

The most common mechanical problem with external fixators in the tibia is:

• Pin breakage

• Frame loosening

• Rod corrosion

• Frame over-compression

The Ilizarov circular fixator is particularly advantageous in:

• Simple diaphyseal fractures

• Complex infected non-unions with bone loss

• Pediatric greenstick fractures

• Metaphyseal fractures only

In open tibial fractures, temporary external fixation is often converted to definitive internal fixation after:

• 24 hours

• 3–5 days

• Once soft tissue condition permits (usually 1–2 weeks)

• After union is achieved