External fixation is characterized by which statement?

• A. Surgical procedure where holes are drilled into uninjured areas of bone surrounding the fracture and external wires or pins are placed.
• B. Fracture is treated with internal plating and screws only.
• C. The frame is internal and not visible externally.
• D. No immobilization is necessary.

Answer: (A)

External fixation stabilizes a fracture by inserting pins or wires through the skin into healthy bone on either side of the fracture and connecting them to an external frame. This describes drilling holes into uninjured bone surrounding the fracture and placing external pins or wires, with the external frame holding the fragments in proper alignment. The frame sits outside the body, unlike internal fixation, which uses hardware inside the limb. The idea that no immobilization is needed isn’t correct because stabilizing the fracture is essential for healing. External fixation is favored when soft tissue injury is present or temporary stabilization is required, allowing access to wounds and gradual adjustment of alignment without opening the fracture site.