Fig. 10

An exploded diagram of the final external fixator design that met the study objectives for fracture stabilization. After 5.0 mm metal pins are placed in stable bone, the first step is to place the fixed angle block and honeycomb cylinder at the desired height on the pins. These components can then be secured in place with pin screw-nut-clips. The main cylinder with or without extension elements would begin deep within the honeycomb cylinder. The extension cylinder would then be threaded and secured with a de-rotation wedge into the fixed block. Traction is applied and traction wedges are placed distal to the extension cylinder to maintain length. An additional metal pin can be placed through a unique wedge, with a hole through it, in the distal aspect of the honeycomb to facilitate final traction and fracture reduction. Finally, any remaining de-rotation wedges, traction wedges, and cross-clips are applied