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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Adjustable Stiffness, External Fixator for the Rat Femur Osteotomy and Segmental Bone Defect Models
Published on: October 9, 2014
Biomechanics of external fixation and limb lengthening
Alastair S E Younger1, James Morrison, William G MacKenzie
1Department of Orthopaedics, The University of British Columbia, Canada. asyounger@shaw.ca
Abstract:
Surgeons who use external fixators for foot and ankle conditions need to understand the biomechanical principles to ensure good outcomes. Fixators can be used for fracture fixation, correction of contractures, distraction osteogenesis, and distraction arthroplasty. A two-ring fixator with wire fixation remains the gold standard with which all other frames are compared. Small changes in mechanical characteristics can have major implications on new bone or cartilage formation.

