1 Introduction and Basic Indications for the Use of External Skeletal Fixation.- 2 Mechanical Principles of External Skeletal Fixation.- 3 Remarks Concerning the Pathophysiology of Compound Fractures.- 4 Indications for External Skeletal Fixation Versus Internal Fixation.- 5 Four Building Components of the AO Tubular System and the Accompanying Surgical Instruments.- 6 Basic Assemblies and Their Use.- 7 Technical Details for Construction.- 8 Clinical Application of External Skeletal Fixator.- 9 Appendix: Special Indications for the Tubular External Fixator.- References.