External fixation in wartime limb surgery.

During the Lebanon War, 1982, limb stability was achieved by the use of external fixation in 45 severe limb injuries. The indications, advantages, techniques and results are reviewed. At follow-up after 1 year there were no cases of chronic bone infection. Two limbs had to be amputated for vascular insufficiency. The skillful, judicious use of external fixation in the treatment of war injuries is an important technical advance in the treatment of severe limb injuries.