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The case history is presented of a patient in whom the anterior tibial artery was clearly perforated by the distal pin of an external fixation device. This necessitated a dorsal pedis free flap instead of transposition of the flap to cover a degloved heel and sole. Review of the literature showed only a few case reports on vascular damage, suggesting that this complication is uncommon. In most cases, secondary erosion seems to be the cause, but as noticed by us direct arterial and/or venous damage is possible.

Interlocking nails have expanded the indication for intramedullary fixation to almost any type of fracture of the shaft of the femur. Distal locking with the Brooker-Wills femoral nail is obtained by a wing fixator. This simplifies the operative technique and diminishes exposure to radiation. Adequate control of angulation, shortening and rotation could be achieved in a first series of 25 patients, thus leading to firm bone healing and to early functional recovery.