title: The kickstand technique for circular external fixator assembly.
abstract: External fixation has been shown to be an extremely versatile tool for surgical reconstruction of the lower extremity. Modern circular-ring fixators, based on original Ilizarov design, are widely used for their stiffness, utility, adjustability, and effectiveness. Because of the full-radius enclosure of the limb, however, it can be difficult to place the fixator on a supine patient. Our institutions have used a useful technique to aid application of the fixator by suspending the limb several centimeters above the operating table.
authors.affiliation: Franciscan Foot and Ankle Institute/St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way, WA 98003, USA.
authors.forename: Byron
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McCann
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kirienko
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D006801:Humans; D056888:Patient Positioning; D016683:Supine Position