Comparison of crossed pins and external fixation for correction of angulardeformities about the knee in children

External fixation was compared to crossed Steinman pins and plaster for fix ation after osteotomy about the knee in children. A group of 26 patients tr eated by external fixation was compared to a control group of 26 patients f ixed with crossed Steinman pins and casting. The groups were matched for ag e. height, and weight. Overall there was a 100% union rate. Preoperative de formity and postoperative correction were similar in the two groups. The ti me to union was significantly longer, and there: were significantly more co mplications in the external fixator group. There were 16 complications (62% ) in the external fixator group and five (19%) in the control group. Compli cations included pin tract infections, peroneal nerve Daisy, and delayed un ion. External fixation provides certain advantages for fixation after osteo tomies about the knee in children but is associated with a variety of compl ications.