The external fixator in the treatment of closed diaphyseal fractures of the lower limb during childhood. Indications and limits.

The authors successfully used an external fixator in 10 children affected by one of the following pathologies: fracture of the femur with poor consolidation and marked shortening of the limb; fracture in a hypoplastic segment; severe multiple trauma; delay in consolidation of pathologic bone; fracture in bone regeneration. On the basis of the results obtained, it is affirmed that the external fixator is the ideal means of osteosynthesis for use in any of the above-described situations.