External fixation for open tibia fractures. A management strategy.

The management of open tibia fractures with the Dynamic Axial Fixator, including the method of application and postoperative care, is described. This fixator is utilized until healing. Weight bearing and axial fracture site movement promote an early callus response. The results obtained in the first 35 cases in which it was used at our institution are presented. Thirty-three of the fractures were successfully treated until healing in the external fixator.