Clinical Examination of External Fixator

We studied the association between the type of external fixator and subsequent bone union achieved. During 1988-1994 we treated 15 cases (19 bones) of bone injury requiring an external fixator.These 15 cases were divided into a fracture group (11 cases, 13 bones), an osteomyelitis group, and a pseudoarthrosis group (5 cases, 6 bone).The type of external fixator used included orthofix, Ace-Fischer, Hoffmann, Mono-tube.Results for the fracture group were orthofix 6 cases, Ace-Fischer 3 cases, Hoffmann 3 cases, Mono-tube 1 case. Results for osteomyelitis; pseudoarthrosis group were orthofix 4 cases, Ace-Fischer 1 case, Hoffmann 1 case.Transverse fractures, and oblique fractures had an effect on primary bone union in the orthofix. Comminuted fractures had an effect on primary bone union in Ace-Fischer.Osteomyelitis, pseudoarthrosis had an effect on primary bone union in dynamization. External fixators are effective for helping bone union following fracture, osteomyelitis and pseudoarthrosis.