[Management of the complications of severe fractures with external fixator (author's transl)]

After a chronological review the advantages of this method are reviewed here, together with the indications. The different types of fixator are demonstrated in some of their cases. It is emphasized, that this method is complementary to the internal fixation, and the indications of its use are made in an increasing number of cases, such as in septic complications as well as 3rd degree compound fractures, delayed unions etc.