The use of external fixation in complex trauma of upper limb.

From 1997 to 2003 (7 years follow-up) we treated 33 complex traumas of the upper limbs with the use of external fixation: forearm or humeral complete amputation, complex crash, sometimes with hand crash associated. Often a revascularisation was necessary like as a secondary skin coverage for soft tissue loss or following ischaemic necrosis. Three patients were reluctant to agree to a secondary amputation for large soft tissue necrosis and infection.