[External fixation of the pelvis--indications, assembly and results]

Stabilisation of pelvic ring fractures by means of external fixation has been found to provide certain advantages over internal fixation. Good results can be achieved, provided that optimum forms and techniques of assembly are used. The authors' indications are reported together with their assembly techniques and forms. The clinical results reported are relating to ten patients, with a pelvic-arm fixator being used in three additional cases. The simple clamp fixator is recommended by the authors for cases of stable symphyseal rupture with a diastasis of more than 1.5 cm.