External hinged distraction devices using transosseous pins and
adjustable attachments were applied to mobilize joint contractures; to
reduce old dislocations; and to reduce, immobilize, and compress ununited
para-articular fractures. Once these procedures were accomplished the
devices were then used to maintain the joint surfaces separated at
predetermined distances while kinematically normal joint motion was
gradually restored, first passively and then actively. The results in
thirty-one knees and twenty-eight elbows treated with these devices were
encouraging after follow-ups of one to six years.