External fixation system

An external fixation system for reducing bone fragments, comprising:

• a substantially rigid frame member at least partially surrounding a fractured bone;
• a polyaxially adjustable pivot housing associated with the substantially rigid frame member, the polyaxially adjustable pivot housing being configured to cause the alignment of the bone fragments to be adjusted in response to a force exerted on the substantially rigid frame member;
• a first clamping assembly coupled to the polyaxially adjustable pivot housing, the first clamping assembly having an opening for receiving and coupling to the substantially rigid frame member;
• a second clamping assembly associated with the substantially rigid frame member, the second clamping assembly having at least one opening for receiving a bone fixation member that is configured to penetrate the fractured bone;
• and
• a removable handle assembly extending from the substantially rigid frame member, the removable handle assembly being actuatable by a user to exert the force on the substantially rigid frame member.

A method of reducing bone fragments with an external fixation system, the method comprising the steps of:

• anchoring a bone fixation member to a fractured bone;
• clamping a substantially rigid frame member to the bone fixation member, the substantially rigid frame member including a pair of ring frames connected by a support arm having a first end coupled to first polyaxially adjustable pivot housing and a second end coupled to a second polyaxially adjustable pivot housing;
• provisionally locking, without the use of a tool, at least one of the first and second polyaxially adjustable pivot housings, the provisional locking being achieved by a friction fit caused by compressive forces and soft tissue tension exerted on the at least one of the first and second polyaxially adjustable pivot housings;
• adjusting the alignment of the bone fragments by exerting a force on the substantially rigid frame member, the force being sufficient to overcome the friction fit;
• and
• securing the alignment of the bone fragments by definitively locking, without the use of a tool, at least one of the first and second polyaxially adjustable pivot housings.