International orthopaedics
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The Hoffmann external fixator was used to stabilize unstable pelvic fractures in 56 patients with multiple injuries. It was applied under general anaesthesia and the dislocated pelvis reduced and secured with a single tie bar. ⋯ Forty-three patients were symptom free with regard to the pelvis at the time of review whereas 5 patients had residual pain and 3 diffuse symptoms. The technique of application is simple but requires two surgeons at the time of reduction and fixation of the pelvis.