[Over thirty years of experience with Hoffmann external fixation in paediatric orthopaedics and traumatology].

The development at the Erasme University Hospital of external fixation in paediatric traumatology is presented following a diachronic order. External fixation is particularly indicated in the polytraumatized child, and/or in the case of an open fracture or of a fracture with associated neuro-vascular lesion. The indications of external fixation have been broadened to diaphyseal femoral fractures occurring at school age. The obtained osteosynthesis is stable and--in the case of an adapted mounting--elastic enough to allow the rapid constitution of a periosteal callus, which is mechanically favourable. The supra-condylar fractures of the elbow of the child may be treated by humero-ulnar distraction external fixation, following the principle of ligamentotaxis.