Abstract: The present invention provides an external skeletal fixator for treating an injured mammalian limb. The fixator has a plurality of transfixation pins which pass through the intact bone of the injured limb proximal to the injured bone. These pins extend beyond the outer edges of the intact bone. These pins are supported by support members which abut the intact bone, extending through the soft tissue. These support members are, in turn, supported by a superstructure capable of supporting the weight of the animal, which superstructure extends beyond the distal end of the injured limb. Thus in the case of a weight bearing limb, the weight of the animal is transferred from the intact bone to the pins, to the supporting members, to the superstructure, to the ground, thus bypassing the injured bone.

Abstract: An external skeletal fixator for treating an injured mammalian limb, such as a horse's foreleg, includes a plurality of transfixation pins which transfix the bone at separated sites along the limb proximal the injury and terminate beyond the limb; means, exemplified by an organic polymer, for rigidly connecting pin terminii to a weight bearing member carried beneath the foot of the limb; together with means, e.g., affixing said weight bearing member to the foot of the limb, for immobilizing the limb distal the injury, whereby the weight of the mammal is transferred from the limb proximal the injury to the weight bearing member, permitting the mammal to ambulate while the injury heals.