Compound fractures of lower extremity are frequently difficult to reduce and maintain in alignment, especially when there is extensive soft tissue damage. Instability, malalignment and soft tissue complication often result in prolonged mobility or failure.
Recently we have used the external fixation for twelve cases.
The primary treatment of all patients was prompt debridement of the wound and fixation of the fracture with the Hoffmann's device and was able to start range of mation exercise in early time. Secondary procedures was done easily.
The average time in the frame was 4.7 months. The mean time until full weight bearing without external support was 6.2 months.
