The use of external fixation devices in the management of severe lower-extremity trauma and pelvic injuries in children.

Between 1977 and 1982, 17 pediatric patients ranging in age from six to 14 years were treated for injuries that required the application of a total of 20 external fixation devices. The indications for the use of external fixation devices in children include: open fractures with soft-tissue injury, unstable fractures (diaphyseal, epiphyseal, and intra-articular), "polytrauma" patients, and unstable pelvic fractures. All fractures and soft-tissue injuries healed. The usual reported complications of external fixation devices, such as pin tract infections, delayed union, and refracture, were not encountered.