Linear and Circular Ring External Skeletal Fixation

External skeletal fixation is a technique utilized to stabilize bone fragments for fracture repair.

The technique utilizes pins placed through the skin which engage the bone on either side of the fracture and are stabilized with various frame configurations outside of the body. 

Biomechanical advancements in the frame components have led to rejuvenated interest and use of this technique.  

Benefits of the use of external fixator frame constructs include the ability to perform minimally invasive and biological sparing fracture stabilization as well as ease of destabilization of the components. These benefits are especially helpful in the management of highly comminuted fractures and open fractures with exposed bone.  

Circular ring frames have grown in popularity recently due to the ability to dynamically allow axial micromotion which augments fracture healing.  They also allow for correction of angular limb deformities with the potential for distraction and growth of new regenerate bone.