The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes and complications of all circular external fixators (frames) used for the management of acute lower limb trauma in our institution over a twenty year period.

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively compiled database of all frames applied in our institution and identified all frames which were applied for acute lower limb trauma. We identified 68 fractures in 63 patients. There were 11 femoral fractures and 57 tibial fractures. All fractures were classified using the AO Classification system, and most fractures were Type C fractures. We used an Ilizarov frame in 53 patients and a Taylor Spatial Frame in 15 patients. The mean time in frame was 365 days for a femoral fracture and 230 days for a tibial fracture. There were five tibial non-unions giving an overall union rate of 93%. Factors associated with non-union included high energy trauma and cigarette smoking.

The vast majority of lower limb fractures can be treated using ‘conventional’ methods. Complex fractures which are not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation or cast immobilisation can be treated in a frame with excellent results. The paucity of published reports regarding the use of frames for complex trauma reflects the under-utilisation of the technique.