[Joint bridging external fixation of fractures of the distal lower leg with severe skin damage].

During the 36 months from April 1989 until April 1992, 34 fractures of the lower end of the leg were treated by joint bridging application of external fixation using the so-called ".. Kugelspannfixateur UNIFIX". They were: 24 intraarticular compression fractures, seven bimalleolar dislocation fractures, two shot fractures and one postoperative empyema. All demanded treatment urgently. Because of severe skin lesions or because of medical reasons, neither osteosynthesis nur conventional conservative methods could be used. With the aid of UNIFIX, good alignment was achieved in all cases and practically always maintained as long as necessary. Reduction of joint-bearing fragments was equally good as with ligamentotaxis. All skin lesions healed during the time of fixation. Only two infections of screw tracks were observed. Additional operations like primary minimal osteosynthesis or later reconstructive surgery could be carried out with the fixateur in place. They have improved the results. No severe damage to the subtalar joint was observed. Therefore this principle of treatment can be recommended providing right indication.