Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member for angular movement with respect to the ring. A third member is mounted on the second member for movement in a direction parallel to the second member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting k-wires into bone and affixing the k-wires to the ring element and affixing the k-wires to an adjustable device. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second members forming the device.

Abstract: An external fixation system has a planar ring with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to a side wall of the planar ring. A method for treating a broken bone includes providing an external fixation system and inserting a first k-wire or half pin through a first piece of the bone and affixing the first k-wire or half pin to the ring, then inserting a second k-wire or half pin through a second piece of bone and affixing the second k-wire or half pin to the adjustable device. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed, or distracted by adjusting at least one of the first and second adjustable members.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is pivotally connected to the first member for angular movement with respect to the ring. A third member is mounted on the second member for movement in a direction parallel to the second member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes providing an external fixation system and inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire or half pin to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire or half pin through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire or half pin to an adjustable device.