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External Fixation Surgery

External fixation is a device used by Forrest City Medical Center podiatrists to immobilize feet or ankles while healing. Benefits of this surgery are early weight bearing on the surgical foot and faster bone healing. The device also gives easy access for any needed wound care due to trauma.

Called external fixation because the device is outside of the body instead of screws or plates that may be surgically implanted, this method can be used for:

  • Foot or ankle fractures
  • Fusions/healing two bones together
  • Diabetic foot reconstruction
  • Immobilization during wound healing

For healing of a fracture, your podiatrist will begin by placing pins or screws into the bone through small incisions into the skin and muscle on both sides of a fracture. The pins are then secured together and attached to a frame outside the skin with clamps and rods. This external frame can be manipulated in three dimensions to place the foot and ankle in the proper position. This system is placed during surgery by your podiatrist, usually under general anesthesia. It will stay in place for eight to twelve weeks on average and then removed under light anesthesia.

Care following surgery is important and will be explained to you by your podiatry care team. Your foot must remain elevated the first week after surgery. For the first two weeks after surgery, you will only be permitted to weight bear on the operated foot/ankle for transfers only. Your Forrest City Medical Center surgeon will let you know when full weight bearing and driving is allowed, dependent on which foot/ankle the external fixator is applied.

Ankle Fusion

Ankle Fusion

Ankle fusion, also known as ankle arthrodesis, is a type of surgery performed by Forrest City Medical Center’s podiatrist. If you have degenerative arthritis in your ankle, normally as a result of an ankle fracture, or a severe deformity of your ankle, your podiatrist...

Bunionectomy

Bunionectomy

At Forrest City Medical Center, we know how much bunions can hurt. Even putting on shoes can become difficult, let alone walking comfortably or doing the things you love. We specialize in bunion surgery (bunionectomy), an outpatient procedure to relieve pain and help...

Hammertoe

Hammertoe

When you’re dealing with hammertoe, every step can hurt. The condition, in which the toe becomes abnormally bent, can also affect your balance and lead to other foot problems without proper care. At Forrest City Medical Center, we can help you find relief. We offer a...

Limb Preservation

Limb Preservation

If you have a wound related to vascular disease or diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot foot, or deep vein thrombosis, you need the support of a multidisciplinary team that can help reduce the chance of serious complications – including amputation. The team at Forrest City...

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet rich plasma, also known as PRP, is a non-surgical solution for conditions such as ligaments/tendon sprains and tears, spinal conditions and arthritis. At Forrest City Medical Center, we may recommend PRP for the following conditions: Arthritis in the ankle...

Wound Debridement

Wound Debridement

If you’re living with diabetes, you may be prone to foot problems—including frequent wounds. Getting immediate care for this issue is crucial to preventing or stopping infection and other serious complications, including limb loss. At Forrest City Medical Center, we...