External fixation connection rod with female attachment

A method of maintaining the orientation of first and second rings for immobilizing bone segments, comprising:

• providing a connecting rod comprising:
• a telescopic housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a first axial bore at least partially extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the first axial bore defining a first lengthwise axis;
• an inner sleeve slidably disposed within the first axial bore of the telescopic housing;
• a fastener operable to releasably couple the inner sleeve and the telescopic housing;
• an elongated member coupled to the inner sleeve;
• a first joint comprising:
• a first rotatable member housing coupled to the proximal end of the telescopic housing;
• a first rotatable member disposed within the first rotatable member housing;
• and
• a first connecting member comprising a first connecting member insert coupled with the first rotatable member;
• wherein the first connecting member insert comprises a second axial bore defining a second lengthwise axis;
• and
• wherein the second axial bore is operable to receive a first connecting element from the first ring;
• and
• a second joint comprising:
• a second rotatable member housing coupled to the elongated member;
• a second rotatable member disposed within the second rotatable member housing;
• and
• a second connecting member coupled with the second rotatable member, wherein the second connecting member is operable to couple with the second ring;
• wherein at least one of the first and second joints comprises one or more grooves defined in a wall of the respective rotatable member housing, and the respective connecting member is disposed through the one or more grooves, thereby limiting the rotation of the respective rotatable member in a first direction about the joint while allowing a greater range of motion in a second direction about the joint;
• and
• wherein rotational movement of the first and second rotatable members is limited upon fixation of the respective connecting member to the respective ring;
• adjusting a longitudinal position of the inner sleeve relative to the telescopic housing about the first lengthwise axis;
• releasably coupling the inner sleeve to the telescopic housing using the fastener;
• releasably coupling the first connecting member to the first ring via the first connecting element disposed through the first ring, thereby limiting rotational movement of the first rotatable member;
• and
• releasably coupling the second connection member to the second ring via a second connecting element, thereby limiting rotational movement of the second rotatable member.