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52097 - External Fixation Removal

MBS service description:

EXTERNAL FIXATION, removal of, in the operating theatre of a hospital (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
182.35
@85% Benefit Fee:
@75% Benefit Fee:
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52097 (External Fixation Removal) typically used?

The need for removal of external fixation in the operating theatre arises when a patient has completed the healing phase of a maxillofacial fracture or reconstruction—stabilized by an external device like pins or bars—requiring surgical extraction under anesthesia in a hospital to safely dismantle the apparatus. This procedure is indicated when the bone has healed sufficiently, and the device, used for severe fractures or deformities, is no longer needed, yet its removal requires precision to avoid damaging healed tissue. It is critical in the maxillofacial region where external fixation supports complex repairs.

Specific reasons include:

  • Fracture healing: A mandibular fracture stabilized externally might need device removal after 6-8 weeks once fused.
  • Reconstruction completion: Post-surgical fixation for jaw deformity can be removed after bone sets.
  • Infection risk: Prolonged fixation might irritate skin or bone, needing removal to prevent issues.
  • Patient comfort: Once stable, removing the device restores normal appearance and function.

For instance, a patient with a maxillary fracture from a car accident might need this after healing to remove pins, done in theatre for safety. In aged care, an elderly patient with a healed zygomatic repair could benefit from this to end discomfort, given their fragility. By removing the fixation, this service completes the treatment, prevents complications, and restores normalcy, making it essential for concluding external fixation in the maxillofacial area.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons removing external fixation from the patient in a hospital operating theatre under anesthesia provide completion benefits. A primary advantage is completing the healing process. This removal signifies the patient’s bone has stabilized, allowing natural function to resume—crucial for 'external fixation removal benefits.' It also removes irritation by eliminating external hardware, improving the patient’s comfort. Furthermore, it restores appearance by clearing visible devices, enhancing the patient’s facial aesthetics. For surgeons researching 'fixation removal advantages,' this procedure ensures patients experience healing completion, comfort improvement, and aesthetic restoration, marking a successful end to the stabilization phase.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of 1-2 weeks with mild swelling; quick return to normal.

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