External fixation and arthrodesis

Arthrodesis of joint is widely employed in case of infected nonunion especially after failed total knee replacement. Instead of the conventional methods of immobilization including plaster cast or internal fixation we think that the use of the external fixation is highly satisfactory, providing an excellent method of immobilization and allowing an early weight-bearing gait. In our series of more than 200 applications the Hoffmann external fixation has proved to be indicated most in arthrodesis of the knee, but has also been used in arthrodesis of the hip and in arthrodesis of the lower and upper extremities.