"Ring fixator" for treatment of lower leg fractures. A review of 30 cases treated by a new external fixation system.

Besides generally known therapeutic practice, indications can be discovered and more easily evaluated by using a "Ring Fixator". Applications include the following: (1) stage fractures of the tibia, (2) stabilisation of fractures of polytraumatized patients with no need for prior anatomical reduction and (3) closed lower limb fractures with severe soft tissue lesions. The major advantages of the "Ring Fixator" include the following: possible unlimited correction of primary and secondary dislocations without needing to transpose implanted Steinmann-pins or Schanz' screw; compatibility with ASIF external fixation systems for supplementary use of "Ring Fixator" elements; possible management of secondary dislocations and variable placement of pins or screws for subsequent wound debridement and muscle flap transposition. Results so far obtained using the "Ring Fixation" are illustrated by clinical examples.