Abstract: The invention serves patients having a fractured bone wherein separate parts of the bone have been immobilized by an external axial fixator, and the invention provides patient-operated mechanical structure to enable him to transiently distract spaced bone-anchored regions of the fixator. In one embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is in the form of an accessory that is detachably mounted to the fixator; in another embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is embodied in an external axial fixator, preferably of the so-called dynamic variety.

Abstract: The invention serves patients having a fractured bone wherein separate parts of the bone have been immobilized by an external axial fixator, and the invention provides patient-operated mechanical structure to enable him to transiently distract spaced bone-anchored regions of the fixator. In one embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is in the form of an accessory that is detachably mounted to the fixator; in another embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is embodied in an external axial fixator, preferably of the so-called dynamic variety.

Abstract: The invention serves patients having a fractured bone wherein separate parts of the bone have been immobilized by an external axial fixator, and the invention provides patient-operated mechanical structure to enable him to transiently distract spaced bone-anchored regions of the fixator. In one embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is in the form of an accessory that is detachably mounted to the fixator; in another embodiment, the patient-operated mechanism is embodied in an external axial fixator, preferably of the so-called dynamic variety.

Abstract: A set or kit of readily assembled components for measuring bone stiffness as in the case of a fractured tibia in the course of healing repair. The components comprise a unit-handling elongate stiff bar with an independent pivotally suspended footing element at each end of the bar, a goniometer having means for movably securing its respective ends to the respective footing elements, a light-weight load cell, and a small computer package, adapted to continuously respond to the outputs of the load cell and of the goniometer and to display and/or record (i.e., store) measured stiffness data. In a preferred embodiment, a level-responsive device, such as an air-bubble sight, is fixed to the bar to facilitate and to enhance the accuracy of bone-stiffness measurement, in that the level indicator can assure use for measurements wherein the pivot axis of each footing suspension is truly horizontally oriented.