Salvage of complicated open fractures by transfixation.

The use of a commercially available Reduction-Retention apparatus for transfixation of nine cases of open fractures with severe soft-tissue damage is reported. Seven patients are walking, two with drop foot braces. Two required amputations, one because of infection and the other because he had suffered severe vascular injury. These two are walking on protheses and are able to work. Of the other seven, five have returned to their previous occupations; one is receiving a disability pension and the other is awaiting further surgery. The problems and advantages of this method of treatment are discussed.