Stabilization of a short juxta-articular bone segment with a circular external fixator

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the stabilization of a simulated juxta-articular bone segment with a circular external fixator, and to determine which method of fixation improved bending stabilization while preserving the axial dynamization of a three-wire configuration. Frames were divided into three groups: wire, half-pin and hybrid and tested in axial compression, torsion, anteroposterior bending and mediolateral bending. Hybrid frames using 4mm half-pins improved the anteroposterior stabilization of the short bone segment while maintaining axial characteristics similar to a three-wire frame. Increasing the bending stabilization will improve bone segment alignment while permitting axial micromotion beneficial to bone healing.