The AO tubular external fixator in the treatment of open fractures and infected non-unions of the shaft of the femur.

A series of 14 cases of open fractures of the shaft of the femur and another group of 13 cases of infected non-union of the shaft of the femur are reported. They were treated with the AO tubular external fixator. The complications and results are assessed and it is concluded that the AO external fixator system has a valuable part to play in these difficult cases.