Temporary transarticular external fixation of the knee and ankle.

High-energy periarticular fractures of the lower extremity are frequently associated with soft tissue trauma that precludes safe surgical treatment in the early period. A technique of temporary transarticular external fixation is presented that allows stabilization at the appropriate length and alignment while awaiting resolution of soft tissue swelling. The use of these techniques in fifty-seven patients is reviewed and compared with outcome in patients having similar fracture patterns without the use of temporary external fixation.