Abstract: Apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures and the correction of congenital deformities uses an improved adjustment device that allows selective rotation or lateral translation of one external fixation ring with respect to other external fixation rings. The adjustment device attaches to a pair of first and second tie rod sections and shifts the first tie rod section with respect to the second tie rod section during adjustment. The adjustment device has a lateral slot that defines the path of movement for one of the translating tie rod sections. A travelling block connected to the moving tie rod section tracks the slot during use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures, limb lengthening, and the correction of deformities uses an improved composite plastic carbon fiber ring that is formed in a mold, or machined with a stepped end portion that allows half rings to be assembled in a common plane. The method can use a mold wherein multiple rings can be formed by stacking the rings with a Teflon layer therebetween and wherein circumferential braid reinforcement of carbon fiber adds strength at the circumferential inner and outer curved surfaces of the rings and half rings.