Ring fixators for reconstruction of traumatic disorders of the foot and ankle.

External fixation methods have an accepted place in orthopedic management of problems involving the foot and ankle. Traditionally, reconstruction and correction of deformity have been managed with extensive soft-tissue release, osteotomies, and arthrodeses. Methods of external fixation have evolved dramatically over the past decade with the introduction of the techniques of Ilizarov to the Western World. This article covers ankle arthrodesis, burn scar contracture, distal tibial deformity, and fractures.