[Treatment of tibial fractures with external ring fixation--I]

Notwithstanding the generally known principles of therapy, indications can be enlarged by use of an annular fixator to cover the following applications: 1. stage fractures of the tibia, 2. stabilisation of fractures of polytraumatised patients with no need for anatomic reposition in the first place, 3. closed lower limb fractures with soft tissue lesions. Possible unlimited correction of primary and secondary dislocations without the need for transposition of Steinmann pins already implanted, compatibility with AO external fixation systems for supplementary use of annular fixator elements for possible management of secondary dislocations and variable placeability of pins or screws for subsequent wound debridement and muscle flap transposition are major advantages of the annular fixator. Results so far obtained from use of the annular fixator are described by clinical examples.