Psychosocial issues relating to external fixation of fractures.

The use of external fixation devices has become increasingly popular for the treatment of fractures and for limb reconstruction procedures. This article reviews the nursing literature that examines psychosocial issues in the context of treatment with external fixation. Nearly all the evidence cited is anecdotal. Personal experience should not be ignored, but this review exercise highlights the lack of research-based evidence to back up provision of care in what is a fundamentally important aspect of the patient experience.