Combination of the small external fixator and standard tubular system

A modification of the standard setup of the small external fixator is presented for use mainly on the wrist. The setup used since 1988 offers further possibilities as compared with conventional application: Completely free positioning of the wrist joint for all possible six degrees of freedom, therefore: Better possibility to postpone manual reduction until the frame is applied ("modular" fixator frame, comparable to the tube-to-tube configuration of the standard external fixator), Easy correction of axial, flexural and rotational malalignment during surgery with the external fixator in situ and without changing the pin position, Easy relaxation of overdistraction postoperatively, Temporary postoperative mobilization of the wrist joint possible. Better preoperative distraction due to higher force and longer distance of the compression/distraction device. Rigid construction by using comparably short threaded K-wires and large diameter connecting bar. Less interference with peri- and postoperative imaging techniques.