[Indication, technic and results using the external fixator in infected fractures and infected pseudarthrosis]

Infected pseudo-arthrosis is the dreaded combination of chronic osteomyelitis and instability at the fracture site. Treatment consists in radical removal of sequestered bone and alloplastic implants, temporary implantation of Septopal chains for high-dose local antibiotic therapy and re-osteosynthesis with external fixator. The external fixator of Raoul Hoffmann is preferred because of its unlimited versatility. A total of 131 patients were treated in accordance with the method described. In 90.1% of the cases bone consolidation was achieved, and in 89.3% chronic osteomyelitis subsided.