The hazards of internal fixation in podiatry.

There are several ways to avoid the iatrogenic complications or hazards of internal fixation. The surgical approach should be planned well in advance. The instruments and materials to be used intraoperatively should be checked before beginning the operation to assure that there are adequate materials of appropriate length and thickness. Also, all materials should be checked for major defects (see Fig. 11A). Good tissue dissection and atraumatic surgical technique is essential to limit excessive tissue destruction. Reduction of the fracture fragments should be obtained prior to fixation. While applying fixation devices, the fragments should be held stable. Intraoperative radiographs are necessary to demonstrate appropriate positioning of the internal fixation device and the proper alignment of the fracture fragments. If the alignment is not satisfactory, repositioning of the devices can and should be made. Preoperative practice and familiarity with the fixation devices is an essential part of shortening the operative time and helping to assure optimum fixation stability. A poor time to learn the techniques for internal fixation is during surgery. Good postoperative care is essential to optimize fracture fragment healing results.