OTHER APPLICATIONS OF THE SMALL AO EXTERNAL FIXATOR TO THE UPPER-LIMB

The small AO external fixator is a very versatile tool. Its value in o btaining an indirect reduction through distraction is well established (1-6). Beside its conventional indication for distal radial fractures , it can be very helpful for some special fracture situations. It can be combined with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to increa se the stability of the fractured part and/or to avoid another approac h which could compromise vascularity of the fragments (3, 7, 8). Of th e variety of injury patterns, a few illustrative examples will be pres ented.