What Is Internal And External Fixation? - Dr. Mullis (VIDEO)

Dr. Mullis:
So doctors commonly talk about internal fixation or external fixation and all that means is, internal fixation means there is some type of plates or screws that are underneath the skin versus external fixation means there’s usually bars and screws protruding from the skin.

Internal fixation can essentially last forever; many times it does not need to be taken out. Obviously, external fixation, where there are bars outside the skin, are only for a limited duration.

About Dr. Mullis, M.D.:
Dr. Brian Mullis, M.D., is the Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma Service and Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedics in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. He has a special clinical interest in orthopaedic trauma and post-traumatic complications with a focus on pelvis and acetabulum fractures, peri-articular fractures of both upper and lower extremity, bone healing, nonunions, malunions, deformity and post-traumatic infections.

Visit Dr. Mullis at Indiana University School of Medicine

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• Bones & Joints