Controller module for strut adjustment

An external fixation system comprising:

• a first fixation ring configured to couple to a first bone portion of a patient;
• a second fixation ring configured to couple to a second bone portion of the patient;
• a plurality of adjustable length struts, each adjustable length strut having a first joint proximate a first end of the strut, a second joint proximate a second end of the strut opposite the first end, a rod, a tube that receives the rod, and an actuator configured to drive the rod axially relative to the tube to change an effective length of the strut;
• and
• a plurality of controller modules, each controller module configured to couple to a corresponding strut;
• wherein in an assembled condition of the external fixation system, the plurality of struts couple the first fixation ring to the second fixation ring;
• the external fixation system has a manual mode of operation in which there is no coupling between any of the plurality of controller modules and any of the plurality of struts, and manual actuation of one of the actuators is configured to change the effective length of the corresponding strut in discrete length increments;
• and
• the external fixation system has an automated mode of operation in which each of the controller modules is coupled to the corresponding strut, and automated actuation of one of the actuators is configured to change the effective length of the corresponding strut in infinitesimally small length increments,
• wherein the actuator of each strut includes a strut knob and a strut gear, the strut knob being translatable relative to the strut gear between a first axial position relative to the strut gear and a second axial position relative to the strut gear,
• wherein when the strut knob is in the first axial position relative to the strut gear, the strut knob is constrained from rotation relative to the strut, and when the strut knob is in the second axial position relative to the strut gear, the strut knob is rotatable relative to the strut.