[Necessary stability and biomechanics of fracture healing in external fixation osteosyntheses]

In recent years, many investigators have concerned themselves with improving the construction of the external fixator in order to achieve even greater stability. Clinical observations demonstrate a moderate callus formation and an often considerably delayed fracture healing resulting from such an extreme rigid mounting of the external fixator. This report presents biochemical considerations which indicate that extreme rigidity in the external fixator is not only unnecessary, but may even interfere with fracture healing and the formation of functionally stable bone.