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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2019; 23(02): e36-e55
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1681049
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Radiologic Evaluation of Lower Leg, Ankle, and Foot Fracture Fixation Hardware

Winnie A. Mar
1   Department of Radiology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
,
J. Hank Schilling
1   Department of Radiology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
,
Laurie Lomasney
2   Department of Radiology, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
,
Eric Chen
5   College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
,
Mihra S. Taljanovic
3   Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner, University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona
,
Jason Lowe
4   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 March 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Radiologists should be familiar with basic principles of fracture fixation and the normal imaging appearances of implant constructs and their complications. The surgeon's selection of external fixation, intramedullary nail fixation, open reduction and internal fixation, or some combination depends on patient factors, fracture configuration, injury to the soft tissue envelope, and surgeon experience. Complications including loss of fixation with resultant malalignment, nonunion, infection, and posttraumatic osteoarthritis present additional challenges for the surgeon as well as the radiologist. This article reviews the rationale behind fracture fixation in fractures of the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Examples of postoperative complications are also reviewed.

Keywords

fracture fixation - lower leg - ankle - foot
 

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