External fixators for bones and factures

Abstract

An external fixator for fixing a fractured bone in place is disclosed. Methods of making and using the external fixators are also disclosed.

Description

EXTERNAL FIXATORS FOR BONES AND BONE FRACTURESPRIORITYThis application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 658,019 filed June 10, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for external fixation of fractured bones, and / or bone fragments.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional processes for maintaining bones in proper alignment during the subsequent healing process involves applying and maintaining an extension force across the fracture, with ligamental taxis being relied upon to hold the bones in place.

[0003] A method for treating a fractured bone, such as a distal radius, involves external pin fixation. This process involves the surgical insertion of skeletal traction pins on both sides of the fracture, with a frame being connected to the pins for immobilizing the bones, and for holding them together until the fracture is mended. Initial structures and methods for applying external pin fixation for the treatment of, for example, a fractured ankle or foot bone, provide for the immobilization of the ankle joint, so that the foot cannot be flexed. While this type of fixation often provides an improvement over conventional casting techniques in the management of severe fractures of the ankle or foot, immobilization of the ankle joint during the treatment period typically results in a long period of stiffness and disability after the external fixation devices is removed. Typically, the external fixation device is left in place during the healing process for six to eight weeks. After the fixation device is removed, three to six months are required for the patient to regain motion of his ankle.

[0004] Subsequent structures and methods have been developed to provide adequate fixation during the healing process while allowing flexure in the ankle joint. Using these newer structures and methods, patients have been able to gain immediate use of the joint after surgery.

[0005] An example of a fixation device and fixation method that provides adequate fixation and allows flexure in the radiocarpal joint is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,736, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,736, describes a fixation that is configured to provide external fixation of a fractured distal radium by including a first number of holes for pins extending downward from the fixture into one or more fragments, rods that extend downward and hold pins laterally into one or more bone fragments, and asecond number of holes for pins extending downward from the fixture into the shank of the radius. The fixture also include a sliding block through which rods extend to hold pins directed laterally into the fragments. A sliding plate including a number of holes aligned with the first number of holes is moved by a pair of setscrews to clamp the pins extending through the first number of holes. The second number of holes include a hole within a sliding structure allowing a single pin to be moved with a fixture to provide extension between the fragments and the shank of the radius.

[0006] In a more recent fixation device described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,560, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, external fixation of a fractured distal radium is achieved by (i) a first pin mounting block having parallel, vertically-extending apertures therein for pins extending vertically downward from the first pin mounting block, at a fixed 90° angle to the first pin mounting block, into one or more bone fragments, and (ii) a second pin mounting block extending perpendicular to the first pin mounting block, and having horizontallyextending apertures therein for pins extending laterally into one or more bone fragments.

[0007] Efforts continue to further develop fixation devices that provide one or more benefits over known fixation devices. What is needed is more functionally effective structure that provide enhanced orientation and location of pins extending vertically and horizontally from the fixation devices. Such a structure and method would still allow some mobility of the ankle while presenting fewer surfaces to get caught on other objects and being more cost effective due to it having parts.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to external fixators comprising a combination of fixator kit components. The fixator kit components comprise a semi-circular fixator body, wherein the semi-circular fixator body has a semi-circular section with first and second connectors at opposite ends of the semi-circular section. Each of the first and second connectors are designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator kit components described herein. The semi-circular fixator body may be positioned behind the heel of a patient and connected to one of more fixator kit components so as to surround the patient’s ankle with an external fixator structure that enables fixation of the patient’s ankle.

[0009] The external fixators of the present invention may further comprise one or more of the following possible fixator kit components: (1) one or more straight strips with each straight strip comprising a single row of pin-positioning holes therein; (2) one or more straight strips with each straight strip comprising two or more rows of pin-positioning holes therein; and (3) one or more arching members with each arching member comprising one or more rows of pin-positioning holes therein.

[0010] In some embodiments, the external fixators of the present invention comprise (1) a semi-circular fixator body, wherein the semi-circular fixator body has a semi-circular section with first and second connectors at opposite ends of the semi-circular section, each of the first and second connectors being designed to independently connect to two or more additional fixator kit components described herein; (2) two or more straight strips with each straight strip comprising a single row of pin-positioning holes therein; (3) two or more straight strips with each straight strip comprising two or more rows of pin-positioning holes therein; and (4) two or more arching members with each arching member comprising one or more rows of pinpositioning holes therein, wherein each pin-positioning hole comprises (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet along an outer or upper surface of the kit component, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet along an inner or lower surface of the kit component, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet and the pin-positioning hole outlet, wherein the pin-positioning hole outlet has a cross-sectional area AAOMB that is smaller than a cross-sectional area AAIMB of the pin-positioning hole inlet. Each pin-positioning hole is designed to allow a given fragment pin, used to fix bone chips / parts in place, to be (1) angularly disposed at an acute angle of up to about thirty degrees (30°) from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole, (2) screwed into a bone fragment, and (3) locked into place along the kit component by tightening a channel-containing clamping component onto a spherical pin holder containing the fragment pin.

[0011] In some embodiments, the external fixators of the present invention comprise (1) a semi-circular fixator body, wherein the semi-circular fixator body has a semi-circular section with first and second connectors at opposite ends of the semi-circular section, each of the first and second connectors being designed to independently connect to two or more additional fixator kit components described herein; (2) two or more straight strips with each straight strip comprising a single row of pin-positioning holes therein; (3) two or more straight strips with each straight strip comprising two or more rows of pin-positioning holes therein; and (4) two or more arching members with each arching member comprising one or more rows of pinpositioning holes therein, wherein each pin-positioning hole comprises (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet along an outer or upper surface of the kit component, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet along an inner or lower surface of the kit component, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet and the pin-positioning hole outlet, wherein each pin-positioning hole is designed to allow a given fragment pin, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 20° or up to 30°) from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole.

[0012] The present invention is even further directed to methods of making and using the herein-disclosed external fixator device of the present invention. In some embodiments, the methods of making an external fixator comprise: forming a semi-circular fixator body comprising (A) a semi-circular section with first and second connectors at opposite ends of the semi-circular section, each of the first and second connectors being designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator kit components described herein, and (B) a plurality of pin-positioning holes extending through the semi-circular section from an outer surface to an inner surface of the semi-circular section, each pin-positioning hole comprising (i) a pinpositioning hole inlet along the outer surface, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet along the inner surface, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface extending between the pinpositioning hole inlet and the pin-positioning hole outlet, wherein each pin-positioning hole is designed to allow a given fragment pin, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle of greater than 0° up to about thirty degrees (30°) from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole. The methods of making an external fixator of the present invention may further comprise one or more additional steps as discussed below.

[0013] In some embodiments, the methods of using an external fixator comprise: (1) combining one or more kit components to form an assembled external fixator, the one or more kit components comprising (I) a semi-circular fixator body comprising (A) a semi-circular section with first and second connectors at opposite ends of the semi-circular section, each of the first and second connectors being designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator kit components described herein, and (B) a plurality of pin-positioning holes extending through the semi-circular section from an outer surface to an inner surface of the semi-circular section, each pin-positioning hole comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet along the outer surface, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet along the inner surface, and (iii) a pinpositioning hole inner side surface extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet and the pin-positioning hole outlet, wherein each pin-positioning hole is designed to allow a given fragment pin, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle of greater than 0° up to about thirty degrees (30°) from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole; (2) surgically implanting one or more fragment pins into one or more bones or bone parts, the one or more fragment pins extending through (i) one or more pinpositioning holes within the semi-circular section, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders positioned within a given pin-positioning hole; (3) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the fragment pins, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole; and (4) after theadjusting step, locking the fragment pin in a desired angular orientation via a clamping component. The methods of using an external fixator of the present invention may further comprise one or more additional steps as discussed below.

[0014] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figure, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary external fixator device of the present invention suitable for external fixation of a bone such as a leg or foot bone;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary semi-circular fixator body suitable for use in the external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exemplary semi-circular fixator body shown in FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary arching member suitable for use in the external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the exemplary arching members shown in FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary first straight strip suitable for use in the external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary second straight strip suitable for use in the external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIGS. 8A-8B depict possible hole configurations for exemplary pin-positioning holes within one or more components of the external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary spherical pin holder suitable for use in the exemplary external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary channel-containing clamping component suitable for use in the exemplary external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a view of (a) any one of (i) an exemplary semi-circular fixator body, (ii) an exemplary first straight strip, (iii) an exemplary second straight strip, or (iv) an exemplary arching member, in combination with (b)(i) an exemplary spherical pin holder, (ii) an exemplary vertically-extending fragment pin, and (iii) an exemplary channel-containing clamping component, all of which are suitable for use in the exemplary external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of (a) any one of (i) an exemplary semi-circularfixator body, (ii) an exemplary first straight strip, (iii) an exemplary second straight strip, or (iv) an exemplary arching member, in combination with (b)(i) an exemplary spherical pin holder positioned within an exemplary pin-positioning hole of the exemplary component and along an interior surface of the exemplary pin-positioning hole, (ii) the exemplary channelcontaining clamping component attached to the component so as to capture the exemplary spherical pin holder within the exemplary pin-positioning hole, and (iii) the exemplary vertically-extending fragment pin extending through the exemplary channel-containing clamping component, the exemplary spherical pin holder, and a bottom surface of the component, the exemplary vertically-extending fragment pin being designed to extend within a bone of a patient (e.g., the ankle of a patient);

[0028] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary bolt suitable for use in the exemplary external fixator device shown in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 14 depicts a top view of the exemplary external fixator device shown in FIG. 1 when a number of bone fragment pins positioned along and extending through various components of the exemplary external fixator device; and

[0030] FIG. 15 depicts a top view of another exemplary external fixator device of the present invention suitable for external fixation of a bone such as a leg or foot bone.

[0031] The features of the present external fixator devices, individual components of the external fixator devices, and methods of using the external fixator devices are set forth in part in the following preferred embodiments. This overview is intended to provide nonlimiting descriptions of the present subject matter and is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The preferred embodiments below provide further information about the external fixator devices, individual components of the external fixator devices, and methods of using the external fixator devices of the present invention as described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention is directed to external fixators that are designed for surgical attachment to two or more bones within a patient, such as the tibia bone, and other bones within the ankle or foot of a patient.

[0033] The present invention is further directed to external fixator kits comprising numerous kit components to form a customized external fixator.

[0034] The present invention is even further directed to methods of making and using external fixators and external fixator kits to position and set numerous bones of a patient into a set position for healing.

[0035] FIGS. 1-15 provide examples of various components that can be used to form externalfixators of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, exemplary external fixator 100 comprises an external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200 (e.g., a tibia bone 200), wherein the external fixator 100 comprises (1) a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11; (2) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20; (3) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and (4) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form the external fixator 100. See again, exemplary external fixator 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The external fixators 100 of the present invention are configured for surgical attachment to one or more bones of a patient. For example, external fixators 100 of the present invention can be used for surgical attachment to bones along a patient’s leg and / or ankle / foot (and other bones and / or bone fragments) via one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending from ) (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, and / or (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, and / or (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and / or (4) the one or more arching members 40, with the pointed end 94 of each bone fragment pin 90 being screwed into a bone 200.

[0037] Each of the one or more bone fragment pins 90 are fixed into place within a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46 via a spherical pin holder 60 and a channel-containing clamping components 70 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 10-12. A given bone fragment pin 90 is positioned thru and within a pin mounting hole 62 of a given spherical pin holder 60, which is then positioned within a given pin-positioning hole inlet 161 / 261 / 361 / 461. Once the pin 90 / pin holder 60 combination is positioned relative to bone, a channel-containing clamping component 70 is positioned within the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 / 261 / 361 / 461 so as toclamp the pin 90 / pin holder 60 combination in a “locked” (i.e. , “set”) positioned / configuration within the pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46.

[0038] Due to the pin positioning ability of pins 90 within (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, and / or (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, and / or (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and / or (4) the one or more arching members 40, numerous pins 90 from numerous angles / positions can be oriented relative to one another so as to encapsulate a given bone 200 or bones 200. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, pins 90 extending from (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, and / or (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, and / or (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and / or (4) the one or more arching members 40 can each independently be oriented (a) along an arc / acute angle of from 0 degrees (°) to about 40° (desirably, up to about 60°), and / or (b) up to about 10° (desirably, up to about 20° or up to about 30°) on either side of a normal line N extending through (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, and / or (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, and / or (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and / or (4) the one or more arching members 40. The range of motion provided for each of pins 90 within (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, and / or (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, and / or (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and / or (4) the one or more arching members 40 provides a user with more flexibility with regard to positioning of pins 90 within (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, and / or (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, and / or (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and / or (4) the one or more arching members 40.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12, first spherical pin holders 60 independently comprise a pair of ball slots 61 extending perpendicular to a pin mounting hole 62 and inward across and partly across the spherical pin holder 60, so that the deformable portion 63 is actuated between each end 64 of the pin mounting hole 62 and the ball slots 61 that is nearer to the end 64.

[0040] Each pin mounting hole 62 extends through a center of the spherical pin holder 60, being divided by the ball slots 61 into a deflectable part 65 within each of the deformable portions 63 and a central part 66 extending between the ball slots 61. When an exterior clamping component 70 is tightened onto a given spherical pin holder 60 to increase an engagement force holding the spherical pin holder 60 in place, the deformable portions 63 are deflected inward, bring the deflectable parts 65 of the pin mounting hole 62 out of alignment with the central part 66 thereof, so that the pin 90 is clamped in place within the pin mounting hole 62.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, exterior clamping components 70 may comprise nut threads 79 that can engage with corresponding threads along a given pin-mounting hole inner side surface 163 / 263 / 363 / 463 so as to tighten exterior clamping component 70 onto a givenspherical pin holder 60, forcing clamping contact surface 703 onto the spherical pin holder 60, and holding the spherical pin holder 60 in place within a given pin-mounting hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46.

[0042] The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is assembled particularly for treating an ankle injury with (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10 being positioned behind the heel of the patient (not shown), (2) the one or more first straight strips 20 extend along opposite sides of the patient’s leg above the ankle (not shown), (3) the one or more second straight strips 30 extend along opposite sides of the patient’s ankle and foot (not shown), and (4) the one or more arching members 40 extend over the patient’s foot (not shown).

[0043] The configuration of external fixator 100 shown in FIG. 15 is assembled particularly for treating a larger bone, such as a tibia bone, with (1) numerous second straight strips 30 extend along opposite sides of the patient’s bone 200, and (2) numerous arching members 40 / 40’ extend over the patient’s bone 200. As discussed below, external fixator 100 comprises arching members 40’ that further comprise one or more arching member connectors 42, wherein each arching member connector 42 independently comprises (ii) one or more arching member surface channels / slots 43 and / or (ii) one or more arching member inner channels 43’, wherein each arching member surface channels / slot 43 and arching member inner channel 43’, when present, is independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30.

[0044] One exemplary method for installing the external fixator 100 to provide both support and extension to a fractured bone 200 may comprise one or more of the following steps: (1) surgically inserting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into a portion of a bone 200, each of the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) a semi-circular fixator body hole 16, (ii) a spherical pin holder 60, and (iii) a channel-containing clamping components 70; (2) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into a portion of a bone 200, each of the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) a first strip pin-positioning hole 26, (ii) a spherical pin holder 60, and (iii) a channel-containing clamping components 70; (3) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into a portion of a bone 200, each of the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) a second strip pin-positioning hole 36, (ii) a spherical pin holder 60, and (iii) a channel-containing clamping components 70; (4) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into a portion of a bone 200, each of the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) an arching member pinpositioning hole 46, (ii) a spherical pin holder 60, and (iii) a channel-containing clamping components 70; and (5) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through a given external fixator 100 component; and (6) after said adjusting step, locking theone or more bone fragment pins 90 in a desired angular orientation via one or more channelcontaining clamping components 70. The order in which pins 90 are implanted may be arbitrary, or may be determined by surgical considerations including the exact type of fracture.

[0045] Pins 90 are preferably commercially available pins, which are conventionally composed of stainless steel. Other portions of the external fixator 100 are preferably composed of thermoplastic resins, with the screws being composed, for example, of nylon, and with the remaining parts being composed, for example, of polycarbonate. This use of thermoplastic material makes it possible to form X-ray images of the bones through the external fixator 100. Furthermore, such materials provide a sufficient combination of strength and resiliency to allow a range of pattems / configurations of bone fragment pins 90 to be clamped simultaneously as described above.Additional EmbodimentsExternal Fixators

[0046] 1. An external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200, said external fixator 100 comprising (1) a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11; (2) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20; (3) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pinpositioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and (4) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form said external fixator 100. See, exemplary external fixator 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0047] 2. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 1, wherein said external fixator 100 comprises (2) two or more first straight strips 20; (3) two or more second straight strips 30; and(4) two or more arching members 40.

[0048] 3. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein said external fixator 100 comprises (2) two or more first straight strips 20; (3) two or more second straight strips 30; and (4) two or more arching members 40.

[0049] 4. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each semicircular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprises (i) a pin -positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16. See, for example, exemplary semi-circular section pinpositioning holes 16 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

[0050] 5. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 261 along the outer surface 27, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 262 along the inner surface 28, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 262, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26. See, for example, exemplary first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

[0051] 6. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 5 , wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 361 along the outer surface 37, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 362 along the inner surface 38, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 362, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36. See, for example, exemplary second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

[0052] 7. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 461 along the outer surface 47, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 462 along the inner surface 48, and (iii) a pinpositioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 462, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the arching member pinpositioning hole 46. See, for example, exemplary arching member pin-positioning holes 46 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

[0053] 8. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein (i) each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16, (ii) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (iii) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iv) each arching member pinpositioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 20° from the hole dissecting line N.

[0054] 9. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein (i) each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16, (ii) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (iii) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iv) each arching member pinpositioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 30° from the hole dissecting line N.

[0055] 10. An external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200, said external fixator 100 comprising a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator components (discussed herein), and (b) a plurality of semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11, each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pinpositioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°)from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16. See again, exemplary semi-circular fixator body 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8A-8B.

[0056] 11. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 10, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 20° from the hole dissecting line N.

[0057] 12. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 10 or 11, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 30° from the hole dissecting line N.

[0058] 13. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein said external fixator 100 further comprises: (1) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20; (2) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and (3) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form said external fixator 100.

[0059] 14. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 13 , wherein each first straight strip pinpositioning hole 26 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 261 along the outer surface 27, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 262 along the inner surface 28, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and the pinpositioning hole outlet 262, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26.

[0060] 15. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 13 or 14, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 361 along the outersurface 37, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 362 along the inner surface 38, and (iii) a pinpositioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 362, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the second straight strip pinpositioning hole 36.

[0061] 16. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 461 along the outer surface 47, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 462 along the inner surface 48, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 462, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the arching member pinpositioning hole 46.

[0062] 17. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 13 to 16, wherein (i) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (ii) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iii) each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 20° from the hole dissecting line N.

[0063] 18. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein (i) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (ii) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iii) each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 30° from the hole dissecting line N.

[0064] 19. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein one or more semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 independently has a minimum cross- sectional area Amin at or proximate a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162 of the one or more semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16. See again, exemplary semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

[0065] 20. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein each of the semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 independently has a minimum cross- sectional area Amin at or proximate a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162 of the one or more semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16.

[0066] 21. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein each of the semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 independently has a minimum cross- sectional area Amin proximate a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162 of the semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16. See again, exemplary semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16 shown in FIG. 8A. Note that exemplary semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16 shown in FIG. 8B has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at the semicircular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162.

[0067] 22. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 19 to 21, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the semicircular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162. See again, exemplary semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 shown in FIG. 8A.

[0068] 23. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein one or more semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inlet 161 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and a pinpositioning hole outlet 162, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 162. See, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIG. 9.

[0069] 24. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein each semicircular section pin-positioning hole 16 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inlet 161 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 163’ of a semi-circular section pinpositioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 162, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 162. See, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0070] 25. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 23 or 24, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is independently sized to further receive a first channelcontaining clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said semi-circular section 11 proximate the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inlet 161, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 39 from exiting a given semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16. See, exemplary first channel-containing clamping component 70 shown in FIGS. 10-12.

[0071] 26. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 24 or 25, wherein said inner sidesurface portion 163' of the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 163' that surrounds a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole channel 166 extending through a given semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16. See again, FIGS. 8A-8B and 12.

[0072] 27. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 26, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 163' has a circular overall shape.

[0073] 28. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein said plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 comprises from about 5 to about 16 semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16. It should be understood that any number of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 may be present along the said semi-circular section 11 of the semi-circular fixator body 10.

[0074] 29. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein said plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 comprises about 8 semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16.

[0075] 30. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises (i) one or more surface channels / slots 121, (ii) one or more inner channels 122, or (iii) any combination of (i) one or more surface channels / slots 121 and (ii) one or more inner channels 122, wherein each surface channels / slot 121 and inner channel 122, when present, being independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30. See again, FIGS. 1-3.

[0076] 31. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 30, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises up to three surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 therein.

[0077] 32. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 30 or 31, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises two surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 therein.

[0078] 33. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises (i) a surface channel / slot 121 and (ii) an inner channel 122 therein.

[0079] 34. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 32 or 33, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises two surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 therein, and the two surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 are aligned so as to be substantially perpendicular (e.g., normal) to one another. See again, forexample, FIGS. 1-3.

[0080] 35. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 34, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises one or more connecting holes 123 therein, each connecting hole 123 being independently sized to receive a connecting bolt 80. See, for example, exemplary connecting bolt 80 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 13), exemplary connecting bolt 80 extending through (i) exemplary connecting hole 123 of first connector 12, and into (ii) a second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 of a second straight strip 30 positioned within an inner channel 122 of the first connector 12. Also shown in FIG. 1 is another exemplary connecting bolt 80 extending through (i) another exemplary connecting hole 123 of first connector 12, and into (ii) a first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 of a first straight strip 20 positioned within a surface channel / slot 121 of the first connector 12.

[0081] 36. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the semicircular fixator body 10 has an overall width WSCB of from about 10.0 centimeters (cm) to about 50.0 cm, and an overall length LSCB of from about 6.0 cm to about 25.0 cm.

[0082] 37. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein the semicircular fixator body 10 has an overall width WSCB of from about 6.0 cm to about 14.0 cm, and an overall length LSCB of from about 6.0 cm to about 12.0 cm.

[0083] 38. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

[0084] 39. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein each of the first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

[0085] 40. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 39, wherein each of the first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

[0086] 41. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 38 to 40, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262.

[0087] 42. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 41, wherein one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 261 so that the spherical pinholder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 263’ of a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 262, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 262. See again, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0088] 43. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 42, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 261 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 263’ of a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and a pinpositioning hole outlet 262, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 262. See again, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0089] 44. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 42 or 43, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said first straight strip 20 proximate the first straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 261, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 39 from exiting a given first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26. See again, exemplary first channel-containing clamping component 70 shown in FIGS. 10-12.

[0090] 45. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 44 or 45, wherein said inner side surface portion 263' of the first straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 263' that surrounds a first straight strip pinpositioning hole channel 266 extending through a given first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26.

[0091] 46. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 45, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 263' has a circular overall shape.

[0092] 47. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 46, wherein said plurality of first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 comprises from about 5 to about 16 first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26. It should be understood that any number of first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 may be present along the first straight strip 20.

[0093] 48. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 47, wherein said plurality of first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 comprises about 8 first straight strip pinpositioning holes 26.

[0094] 49. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 48, wherein each first straight strip 20 has an overall width WFSS of from about 1.0 cm to about 4.0 cm, and an overall length LFSS of from about 8.0 cm to about 30.0 cm.

[0095] 50. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 49, wherein each first straight strip 20 has an overall width WFSS of from about 1.5 cm to about 3.0 cm, and an overall length LFSS of from about 12.0 cm to about 24.0 cm.

[0096] 51. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 independently has a minimum cross- sectional area Amin at or proximate a second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362 of the one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

[0097] 52. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein each of the second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362 of the one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

[0098] 53. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein each of the second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate a second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362 of the second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

[0099] 54. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 51 to 53, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362.

[0100] 55. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 54, wherein one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a second straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 361 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 363’ of a second straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 362, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 362. See again, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0101] 56. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 55, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a second straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 361 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 363’ of a second straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 362, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 362. See again, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0102] 57. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 55 or 56, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said second straight strip 30 proximate the second straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 361, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 39 from exiting a given second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36. See again, exemplary first channelcontaining clamping component 70 shown in FIGS. 10-12.

[0103] 58. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 56 or 57, wherein said inner side surface portion 363' of the second straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 363 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 363' that surrounds a second straight strip pin-positioning hole channel 366 extending through a given second straight strip pinpositioning hole 36.

[0104] 59. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 58, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 363' has a circular overall shape.

[0105] 60. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 59, wherein said plurality of second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 comprises from about 5 to about 16 second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36. It should be understood that any number of second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 may be present along the second straight strip 30.

[0106] 61. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 60, wherein said plurality of second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 comprises about 8 second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

[0107] 62. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 61, wherein each second straight strip 30 has an overall width Wsss of from about 1.0 cm to about 4.0 cm, and an overall length Lsss of from about 8.0 cm to about 30.0 cm.

[0108] 63. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 62, wherein each second straight strip 30 has an overall width Wsss of from about 1.5 cm to about 3.0 cm, and an overall length Lsss of from about 12.0 cm to about 24.0 cm.

[0109] 64. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 63, wherein one or more arching member pin-positioning holes 46 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

[0110] 65. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 64, wherein each of the arching member pin-positioning holes 46 independently has a minimum cross-sectionalarea Amin at or proximate an arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462 of the one or more arching member pin-positioning holes 46.

[0111] 66. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 65, wherein each of the arching member pin-positioning holes 46 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate an arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462 of the arching member pin-positioning holes 46.

[0112] 67. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 64 to 66, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462.

[0113] 68. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 67, wherein one or more arching member pin-positioning holes 46 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into an arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 463’ of a arching member pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 462, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 462. See again, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0114] 69. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 42, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into an arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 463’ of a arching member pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and an arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462, and (b) does not exit the arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462. See again, exemplary first spherical pin holder 60 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-12.

[0115] 70. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 68 or 69, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said arching member 40 proximate the arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 60 from exiting a given arching member pin-positioning hole 46, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given arching member pin-positioning hole 46. See again, exemplary first channel-containing clamping component 70 shown in FIGS. 10-12.

[0116] 71. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 69 or 70, wherein said arching member inner side surface portion 463' of the arching member pin-positioning hole inner side surface463 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 463' that surrounds an arching member pin-positioning hole channel 466 extending through a given arching member pin-positioning hole 46.

[0117] 72. The external fixator 100 of embodiment 71, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 463' has a circular overall shape.

[0118] 73. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 72, wherein said plurality of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 comprises from about 5 to about 16 arching member pin-positioning holes 46. It should be understood that any number of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 may be present along the arching member 40.

[0119] 74. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 73, wherein said plurality of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 comprises about 8 arching member pinpositioning holes 46.

[0120] 75. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 74, wherein one or more of the arching members 40’ further comprises one or more arching member connectors 42, wherein each arching member connector 42 independently comprises (ii) one or more arching member surface channels / slots 43 and / or (ii) one or more arching member inner channels 43’, wherein each arching member surface channels / slot 43 and arching member inner channel 43’, when present, is independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30. See again, FIG. 15, wherein each of the exemplary arching members 40’ comprise two arching member surface channels / slot 43 or arching member inner channels 43’, one on each opposite side 49 of the arching member connector 42.

[0121] 76. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 75, wherein one or more of the arching members 40’ further comprises a single arching member connector 42 positioned at an arching member midpoint 45 along the arching member 40’, wherein the arching member connector 42 comprises two arching member surface channels / slots 43 or two inner channels 43’, wherein each surface channels / slot 43 and / or inner channel 43’, when present, is independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30. See again, FIG. 15.

[0122] 77. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 76, wherein each arching member 40 / 40’ has an overall width WAM of from about 8.0 cm to about 30.0 cm, and an overall length LAM of from about 2.0 cm to about 8.0 cm.

[0123] 78. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 77, wherein each arching member 40 / 40’ has an overall width WAM of from about 10.0 cm to about 20.0 cm, and an overall length LAM of from about 3.0 cm to about 6.0 cm.

[0124] 79. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 78, further comprising one or more spherical pin holders 60, each of the one or more spherical pin holders 60 being sized to (i) receive a bone fragment pin 90 therein and therethrough, and (ii) be positioned within a given pin-mounting hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46.

[0125] 80. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 79, further comprising one or more channel-containing clamping components 70, each of the one or more channelcontaining clamping component 70 being sized to be positioned within a given pin-mounting hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46.

[0126] 81. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 80, further comprising one or more bone fragment pins 90, each bone fragment pin 90 being sized and configured to extend within and thru (i) a channel-containing clamping component 70, (ii) a spherical pin holder 60, and (ii) a given pin-mounting hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46, and into a bone fragment. Each of the bone fragment pins 90 includes a pointed end 94 for attachment within the bone fragment. If necessary, a portion 95 of bone fragment pins 90 extending upward from and above / beyond a given external fixator 100 component may be cut off after the one or more bone fragment pins 90 are fastened in place.Kits for Forming External Fixators

[0127] 82. A kit for preparing the external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 81, said kit comprising one or more semi-circular as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 81.

[0128] 83. The kit of embodiment 82, further comprising: (1) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20; (2) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; (3) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin- positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form said external fixator 100.

[0129] 84. A kit for preparing an external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200,said kit comprising: (1) a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11; (2) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pinpositioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20; (3) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; (4) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin- positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, or (5) any combination of components (1) to (4), wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form an external fixator 100. See, exemplary external fixator 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 15.

[0130] 85. The kit of embodiment 84, wherein the kit comprises one or more semi-circular fixator bodies 10.

[0131] 86. The kit of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein the kit further comprises (2) one or more first straight strips 20; (3) one or more second straight strips 30; and (4) one or more arching members 40.

[0132] 87. The kit of any one of embodiments 84 to 86, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40, each independently comprise one or more features described in embodiments 1 to 81.

[0133] 88. The kit of any one of embodiments 84 to 87, further comprising: one or more spherical pin holders 60.

[0134] 89. The kit of any one of embodiments 84 to 88, further comprising: one or more channel-containing clamping components 70.

[0135] 90. The kit of any one of embodiments 84 to 89, further comprising: one or more bone fragment pins 90.

[0136] 91. The kit of any one of embodiments 84 to 90, further comprising: one or morebolts 80.Methods of Making External Fixators

[0137] 92. A method of making the external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of embodiments 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of embodiments 82 to 91, said method comprising: forming a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator components, and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11, each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the semicircular section pin-positioning hole 16. See again, exemplary semi-circular fixator body 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8A-8B.

[0138] 93. A method of making the external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of embodiments 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of embodiments 82 to 91, said method comprising: (1) forming a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11; (2) forming one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20; (3) forming one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extendingthrough the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and forming (4) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form the external fixator 100. See again, the exemplary external fixators 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 15.

[0139] 94. The method of embodiment 92 or 93, wherein each of said forming steps independently comprises one or more of: a thermoforming step, a machining step, a molding step, a cutting step, a drilling step, an extrusion step, a washing step, a sterilizing step, and an assembling step.Methods of Using External Fixators

[0140] 95. A method of using the external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of embodiments 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of embodiments 82 to 91, said method comprising: (1) combining one or more kit components to form an assembled external fixator 100, the one or more kit components comprising the semicircular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed herein), and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pinpositioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11, each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pinpositioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given bone fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about thirty degrees (30°) from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole 16; (2) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into one or more bones 200 or bone parts 200, the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) one or more pin-positioning holes 16 within the semi-circular section 10, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders 60 positioned within a given pin-positioning hole 16; (3) adjustingan angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole 16; and (4) after the adjusting step, locking the bone fragment pin 90 in a desired angular orientation via a clamping component 70.

[0141] 96. A method of using the external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of embodiments 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of embodiments 82 to 91, said method comprising: (1) combining one or more kit components to form an assembled external fixator 100, the one or more kit components comprising (I) one or more of the semi-circular fixator bodies 10, (II) one or more of the first straight strips 20, (III) one or more of the second straight strips 30, (IV) one or more of the arching members 40, or (V) any combination of two of more of (I) to (IV); (2) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into one or more bones 200 or bone parts 200, the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) one or more pin-positioning holes 16 / 26 / 36 / 46 within (I) the one or more of the semi-circular fixator bodies 10, (II) the one or more of the first straight strips 20, (III) the one or more of the second straight strips 30, and / or (IV) the one or more of the arching members 40, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders 60 positioned within a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46; (3) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46; and (4) after the adjusting step, locking the bone fragment pin 90 in a desired angular orientation via a clamping component 70.

[0142] 97. The method of embodiment 95 or 96, further comprising: (1) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into one or more bones 200, the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) one or more pin-positioning holes 16 / 26 / 36 / 46, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders 60; (2) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46; and (3) after said adjusting step, locking the bone fragment pins 90 in a desired angular orientation via a channel-containing clamping component 70.EXAMPLES

[0143] External fixators 100 such as those shown in FIGS. 1-15, and described in embodiments 1 to 81 above, were used to position numerous bones within the leg and foot ofa patient using bone fragment pins 90 extending through and from (I) a semi-circular fixator body 10, (II) two first straight strips 20, (III) two second straight strips 30, (IV) three arching members 40.

[0144] It should be understood that although the above-described external fixators 100, semicircular fixator bodies 10, other external fixator 100 components, kits, and / or methods are described as “comprising” one or more components or steps, the above-described external fixators 100, semi-circular fixator bodies 10, other external fixator 100 components, kits, and / or methods may “comprise,” “consists of,” or “consist essentially of’ any of the abovedescribed components, features, or steps of the external fixators 100, semi-circular fixator bodies 10, other external fixator 100 components, kits, and / or methods. Consequently, where the present invention, or a portion thereof, has been described with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description of the present invention, or the portion thereof, should also be interpreted to describe the present invention, or a portion thereof, using the terms “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’ or variations thereof as discussed below.

[0145] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated otherwise, of the recited components. For example, an external fixator 100, a semi-circular fixator body 10, any other external fixator 100 component, a kit, and / or method that “comprises” a list of elements (e.g., components, features, or steps) is not necessarily limited to only those elements (or components or steps), but may include other elements (or components or steps) not expressly listed or inherent to the external fixator 100, the semicircular fixator body 10, the other external fixator 100 component, the kit, and / or the method.

[0146] As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists of’ and “consisting of’ exclude any element, step, or component not specified. For example, “consists of’ or “consisting of’ used in a claim would limit the claim to the components, materials or steps specifically recited in the claim except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith (i.e., impurities within a given component). When the phrase “consists of’ or “consisting of’ appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrase “consists of’ or “consisting of’ limits only the elements (or components or steps) set forth in that clause; other elements (or components) are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0147] As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists essentially of’ and “consisting essentially of’ are used to define an external fixator 100, a semi-circular fixator body 10, anyother external fixator 100 component, a kit, and / or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term “consisting essentially of’ occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of.”

[0148] Further, it should be understood that the herein-described external fixators 100, semicircular fixator bodies 10, other external fixator 100 components, kits, and / or methods may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described components and features, with or without any additional feature / s). In other words, in some embodiments, the external fixators 100, the semi-circular fixator bodies 10, the other external fixator 100 components, the kits, and / or the methods of the present invention do not have any additional features other than those described herein, and such additional features, not described herein, are specifically excluded from the external fixators 100, the semi-circular fixator bodies 10, the other external fixator 100 components, the kits, and / or the methods. In other embodiments, the external fixators 100, the semi-circular fixator bodies 10, the other external fixator 100 components, the kits, and / or the methods of the present invention do have one or more additional features that are not described herein.

[0149] While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200, said external fixator 100 comprising:(1) a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11;(2) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20;(3) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and(4) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form said external fixator 100.

2. The external fixator 100 of claim 1, wherein said external fixator 100 comprises:(2) two or more first straight strips 20;(3) two or more second straight strips 30; and(4) two or more arching members 40.

3. The external fixator 100 of claim 1 or 2, wherein said external fixator 100 comprises:(2) two or more first straight strips 20;(3) two or more second straight strips 30; and(4) two or more arching members 40.

4. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprises (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pinpositioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16.

5. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 261 along the outer surface 27, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 262 along the inner surface 28, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and the pinpositioning hole outlet 262, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26.

6. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 361 along the outer surface 37, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 362 along the inner surface 38, and (iii) a pinpositioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 362, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36.

7. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 461 along the outer surface 47, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 462 along the inner surface 48, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and the pinpositioning hole outlet 462, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the arching member pin-positioning hole 46.

8. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein (i) each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16, (ii) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (hi) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iv) each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 20° from the hole dissecting line N.

9. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein (i) each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16, (ii) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (hi) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iv) each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 30° from the hole dissecting line N.

10. An external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200, said external fixator 100 comprising a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator components, and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11, each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16.

11. The external fixator 100 of claim 10, wherein each semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 20° from the hole dissecting line N.

12. The external fixator 100 of claim 10 or 11, wherein each semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 30° from the hole dissecting line N.

13. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said external fixator 100 further comprises:(1) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20;(2) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and(3) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form said external fixator 100.

14. The external fixator 100 of claim 13, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 261 along the outer surface 27, (ii) a pinpositioning hole outlet 262 along the inner surface 28, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 262, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26.

15. The external fixator 100 of claim 13 or 14, wherein each second straight strip pinpositioning hole 36 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 361 along the outer surface 37, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 362 along the inner surface 38, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 362, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36.

16. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 461 along the outer surface 47, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 462 along the inner surface 48, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and the pinpositioning hole outlet 462, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the arching member pin-positioning hole 46.

17. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein (i) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (ii) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iii) each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 20° from the hole dissecting line N.

18. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein (i) each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, (ii) each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iii) each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 independently allows a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about 30° from the hole dissecting line N.

19. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein one or more semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162 of the one or more semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16.

20. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein each of the semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162 of the one or more semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16.

21. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein each of the semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162 of the semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16.

22. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the minimum cross- sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole outlet 162.

23. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein one or more semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inlet 161 so that the spherical pin holder 60(a) contacts and rests upon a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 162, and(b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 162.

24. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a semi-circular section pin-positioning hole inlet 161 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 163’ of a semi-circular section pinpositioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 162, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 162.

25. The external fixator 100 of claim 23 or 24, wherein each semi-circular section pinpositioning hole 16 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said semi-circular section 11 proximate the semicircular section pin-positioning hole inlet 161, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 39 from exiting a given semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16.

26. The external fixator 100 of claim 24 or 25, wherein said inner side surface portiontruncated conical shaped contact area 163' that surrounds a semi-circular section pinpositioning hole channel 166 extending through a given semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16.

27. The external fixator 100 of claim 26, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 163' has a circular overall shape.

28. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein said plurality of semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 comprises from about 5 to about 16 semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16.

29. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein said plurality of semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 comprises about 8 semi-circular section pinpositioning holes 16.

30. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises (i) one or more surface channels / slots 121, (ii) one or more inner channels 122, or (iii) any combination of (i) one or more surface channels / slots 121 and (ii) one or more inner channels 122, wherein each surface channels / slot121 and inner channel 122, when present, being independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30.

31. The external fixator 100 of claim 30, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises up to three surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels122 therein.

32. The external fixator 100 of claim 30 or 31, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises two surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 therein.

33. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises (i) a surface channel / slot 121 and (ii) an inner channel 122 therein.

34. The external fixator 100 of claim 32 or 33, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises two surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 therein, and the two surface channels / slots 121 and / or inner channels 122 are aligned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another.

35. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiment claims 1 to 34, wherein each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 independently comprises one or more connecting holes 123 therein, each connecting hole 123 being independently sized to receive a connecting bolt 80. See, for example, exemplary connecting bolt 80 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, exemplary connecting bolt 80 extending through (i) exemplary connecting hole 123 of first connector 12, and into (ii) a second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 of a second straight strip 30 positioned within an inner channel 122 of the first connector 12.

36. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 35 , wherein the semi-circular fixator body 10 has an overall width WSCB of from about 10.0 centimeters (cm) to about 50.0 cm, and an overall length LSCB of from about 6.0 cm to about 25.0 cm.

37. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the semi-circular fixator body 10 has an overall width WSCB of from about 6.0 cm to about 14.0 cm, and an overall length LSCB of from about 6.0 cm to about 12.0 cm.

38. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

39. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein each of the first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

40. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein each of the first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the first straight strip pinpositioning holes 26.

41. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the minimum cross- sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the first straight strip pinpositioning hole outlet 262.

42. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 261 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 263’ of a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and a pinpositioning hole outlet 262, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 262.

43. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein each first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 261 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 263’ of a first straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 261 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 262, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 262.

44. The external fixator 100 of claim 42 or 43, wherein each first straight strip pinpositioning hole 26 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said first straight strip 20 proximate the first straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 261, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 39 from exiting a given first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26.

45. The external fixator 100 of claim 44 or 45, wherein said inner side surface portion 263' of the first straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 263 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 263' that surrounds a first straight strip pin-positioning hole channel 266 extending through a given first straight strip pin-positioning hole 26.

46. The external fixator 100 of claim 45, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 263' has a circular overall shape.M. The external fixator 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 46, wherein said plurality of first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 comprises from about 5 to about 16 first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

48. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein said plurality of first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26 comprises about 8 first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

49. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein each first straight strip 20 has an overall width WFSS of from about 1.0 cm to about 4.0 cm, and an overall length LESS of from about 8.0 cm to about 30.0 cm.

50. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein each first straight strip 20 has an overall width WFSS of from about 1.5 cm to about 3.0 cm, and an overall length LFSS of from about 12.0 cm to about 24.0 cm.

51. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362 of the one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

52. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein each of the second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362 of the one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

53. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein each of the second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate a second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362 of the second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

54. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the minimum cross- sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the second straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 362.

55. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein one or more second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a second straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 361 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 363’ of a second straight strip pinpositioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 362, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 362.

56. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein each second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into a second straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 361 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 363’ of a second straight strip pinpositioning hole inner side surface 363 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 361 and a pin-positioning hole outlet 362, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 362.

57. The external fixator 100 of claim 55 or 56, wherein each second straight strip pinpositioning hole 36 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said second straight strip 30 proximate the second straight strip pin-positioning hole inlet 361, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 39 from exiting a given second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36.

58. The external fixator 100 of claim 56 or 57, wherein said inner side surface portion 363' of the second straight strip pin-positioning hole inner side surface 363 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 363' that surrounds a second straight strip pin-positioning hole channel 366 extending through a given second straight strip pin-positioning hole 36.

59. The external fixator 100 of claim 58, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 363' has a circular overall shape.

60. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein said plurality of second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 comprises from about 5 to about 16 second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

61. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein said plurality of second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36 comprises about 8 second straight strip pin-positioning holes 36.

62. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 61, wherein each second straight strip 30 has an overall width Wsss of from about 1.0 cm to about 4.0 cm, and an overall length Lsss of from about 8.0 cm to about 30.0 cm.

63. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein each second straight strip 30 has an overall width Wsss of from about 1.5 cm to about 3.0 cm, and an overall length Lsss of from about 12.0 cm to about 24.0 cm.

64. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 63, wherein one or more arching member pin-positioning holes 46 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate a first straight strip pin-positioning hole outlet 262 of the one or more first straight strip pin-positioning holes 26.

65. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 64, wherein each of the arching member pin-positioning holes 46 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin at or proximate an arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462 of the one or more arching member pin-positioning holes 46.

66. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 65, wherein each of the arching member pin-positioning holes 46 independently has a minimum cross-sectional area Amin proximate an arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462 of the arching member pinpositioning holes 46.

67. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein the minimum cross- sectional area Amin is smaller than the cross-sectional area Aoutiet at the arching member pinpositioning hole outlet 462.

68. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein one or more arching member pin-positioning holes 46 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into an arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a)contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 463’ of a arching member pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and a pinpositioning hole outlet 462, and (b) does not exit the pin-positioning hole outlet 462.

69. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein each arching member pin-positioning hole 46 is independently sized to receive a spherical pin holder 60 into an arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461 so that the spherical pin holder 60 (a) contacts and rests upon an inner side surface portion 463’ of a arching member pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 extending between the arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461 and an arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462, and (b) does not exit the arching member pin-positioning hole outlet 462.

70. The external fixator 100 of claim 68 or 69, wherein each arching member pinpositioning hole 46 is independently sized to further receive a first channel-containing clamping component 70 that (i) attaches to said arching member 40 proximate the arching member pin-positioning hole inlet 461, (ii) prevents the first spherical pin holder 60 from exiting a given arching member pin-positioning hole 46, and (iii) provides a clamping contact surface 703 along or proximate the first spherical pin holder 60 when the first spherical pin holder 60 and the first channel-containing clamping component 70 are positioned within a given arching member pin-positioning hole 46.

71. The external fixator 100 of claim 69 or 70, wherein said arching member inner side surface portion 463' of the arching member pin-positioning hole inner side surface 463 comprises a truncated conical shaped contact area 463' that surrounds an arching member pinpositioning hole channel 466 extending through a given arching member pin-positioning hole 46.

72. The external fixator 100 of claim 71, wherein the truncated conical shaped contact area 463' has a circular overall shape.

73. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 72, wherein said plurality of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 comprises from about 5 to about 16 arching member pinpositioning holes 46.

74. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 73, wherein said plurality of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 comprises about 8 arching member pin-positioning holes 46.

75. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 74, wherein one or more of the arching members 40’ further comprises one or more arching member connectors 42, wherein each arching member connector 42 independently comprises (ii) one or more arching member surface channels / slots 43 and / or (ii) one or more arching member inner channels 43’, wherein each arching member surface channels / slot 43 and arching member inner channel 43’, when present, is independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30.

76. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 75, wherein one or more of the arching members 40’ further comprises a single arching member connector 42 positioned at an arching member midpoint 45 along the arching member 40’, wherein the arching member connector 42 comprises two arching member surface channels / slots 43 or two inner channels 43’, wherein each surface channels / slot 43 and / or inner channel 43’, when present, is independently sized to receive a connecting end of (a) one of the one or more first straight strips 20, or (b) one of the one or more second straight strips 30.

77. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 76, wherein each arching member 40 / 40’ has an overall width WAM of from about 8.0 cm to about 30.0 cm, and an overall length LAM of from about 2.0 cm to about 8.0 cm.

78. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 77, wherein each arching member 40 / 40’ has an overall width WAM of from about 10.0 cm to about 20.0 cm, and an overall length LAM of from about 3.0 cm to about 6.0 cm.

79. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 78, further comprising one or more spherical pin holders 60, each of the one or more spherical pin holders 60 being sized to (i) receive a bone fragment pin 90 therein and therethrough, and (ii) be positioned within a given pin-mounting hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46.

80. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 79, further comprising one or more channel-containing clamping components 70, each of the one or more channel-containing clamping component 70 being sized to be positioned within a given pin-mounting hole16 / 26 / 36 / 46.

81. The external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 80, further comprising one or more bone fragment pins 90, each bone fragment pin 90 being sized and configured to extend within and thru (i) a channel-containing clamping component 70, (ii) a spherical pin holder 60, and (ii) a given pin-mounting hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46, and into a bone fragment.

82. A kit for preparing the external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 81, said kit comprising one or more semi-circular as described in any one of claims 1 to 81.

83. The kit of claim 82, further comprising:(1) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20;(2) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and(3) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form said external fixator 100.

84. A kit for preparing an external fixator 100 for surgical attachment to a bone 200, said kit comprising:(1) a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semicircular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11;(2) one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20;(3) one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30;(4) one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, or(5) any combination of components (1) to (4), wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form an external fixator 100.

85. The kit of claim 84, wherein the kit comprises one or more semi-circular fixator bodies 10.

86. The kit of claim 84 or 85, wherein the kit further comprises (2) one or more first straight strips 20; (3) one or more second straight strips 30; and (4) one or more arching members 40.

87. The kit of any one of claims 84 to 86, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40, each independently comprise one or more features described in claims 1 to 81.

88. The kit of any one of claims 84 to 87, further comprising: one or more spherical pin holders 60.

89. The kit of any one of claims 84 to 88, further comprising: one or more channelcontaining clamping components 70.

90. The kit of any one of claims 84 to 89, further comprising: one or more bone fragment pins 90.

91. The kit of any one of claims 84 to 90, further comprising: one or more bolts 80.

92. A method of making the external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of claims 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of claims 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of claims 82 to 91, said method comprising: forming a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional fixator components, and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11, each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about ten degrees (10°)(or up to 15°, or 20°, or 30°) from a hole dissecting line N extending through and dissecting the semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16.

93. A method of making the external fixator 100 of any one of embodiment claims 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of claims 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of claims 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of claims 82 to 91, said method comprising:(1) forming a semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components (discussed below), and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11;(2) forming one or more first straight strips 20 with each first straight strip 20 comprising a single row of first strip pin-positioning holes 26 extending through the first straight strip 20 from an outer surface 27 to an inner surface 28 of the first straight strip 20;(3) forming one or more second straight strips 30 with each second straight strip 30 comprising two or more rows of second strip pin-positioning holes 36 extending through the second straight strip 30 from an outer surface 37 to an inner surface 38 of the second straight strip 30; and(4) forming one or more arching members 40 with each arching member 40 comprising one or more rows of arching member pin-positioning holes 46 extending through the arching member 40 from an outer surface 47 to an inner surface 48 of the arching member 40, wherein (1) the semi-circular fixator body 10, (2) the one or more first straight strips 20, (3) the one or more second straight strips 30, and (4) the one or more arching members 40 are separate kit components that are connectable with one another to form the external fixator 100.

94. The method of claim 92 or 93, wherein each of said forming steps independently comprises one or more of: a thermoforming step, a machining step, a molding step, a cutting step, a drilling step, an extrusion step, a washing step, a sterilizing step, and an assembling step.

95. A method of using the external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of claims 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of claims 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of claims 82 to 91, said method comprising:(1) combining one or more kit components to form an assembled external fixator 100, the one or more kit components comprising the semi-circular fixator body 10 comprising (a) a semi-circular section 11 with first and second connectors 12 / 13 at opposite ends 14 / 15 of the semi-circular section 11, each of the first and second connectors 12 / 13 being designed to independently connect to one or more additional external fixator components, and (b) a plurality of semi-circular section pin-positioning holes 16 extending through the semi-circular section 11 from an outer surface 17 to an inner surface 18 of the semi-circular section 11, each semi-circular section pin-positioning hole 16 comprising (i) a pin-positioning hole inlet 161 along the outer surface 17, (ii) a pin-positioning hole outlet 162 along the inner surface 18, and (iii) a pin-positioning hole inner side surface 163 extending between the pin-positioning hole inlet 161 and the pin-positioning hole outlet 162, wherein each pin-positioning hole 16 is designed to allow a given bone fragment pin 90, positioned therein, to be angularly disposed at an acute angle ZA of greater than 0° up to about thirty degrees (30°) from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole 16;(2) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into one or more bones 200 or bone parts 200, the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) one or more pin-positioning holes 16 within the semi-circular section 10, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders 60 positioned within a given pin-positioning hole 16;(3) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole 16; and(4) after the adjusting step, locking the bone fragment pin 90 in a desired angular orientation via a clamping component 70.

96. A method of using the external fixator 100 of any one of claims 1 to 81, or any component of the external fixator 100 described in any one of claims 1 to 81, or the kit of any one of claims 82 to 91, or any kit component described in any one of claims 82 to 91, said method comprising:(1) combining one or more kit components to form an assembled external fixator 100, the one or more kit components comprising(I) one or more of the semi-circular fixator bodies 10,(II) one or more of the first straight strips 20,(III) one or more of the second straight strips 30,(IV) one or more of the arching members 40, or(V) any combination of two of more of (I) to (IV);(2) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into one or more bones 200 or bone parts 200, the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) one or more pin-positioning holes 16 / 26 / 36 / 46 within (I) the one or more of the semi-circular fixator bodies 10, (II) the one or more of the first straight strips 20, (III) the one or more of the second straight strips 30, and / or (IV) the one or more of the arching members 40, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders 60 positioned within a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46;(3) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through and dissecting a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46; and(4) after the adjusting step, locking the bone fragment pin 90 in a desired angular orientation via a clamping component 70.

97. The method of claim 95 or 96, further comprising:(1) surgically implanting one or more bone fragment pins 90 into one or more bones 200, the one or more bone fragment pins 90 extending through (i) one or more pin-positioning holes 16 / 26 / 36 / 46, and (ii) one or more spherical pin holders 60; (2) adjusting an angular orientation of one or more of the bone fragment pins 90, the angular orientation being adjustable up to about 30° from a normal line N extending through a given pin-positioning hole 16 / 26 / 36 / 46; and(3) after said adjusting step, locking the bone fragment pins 90 in a desired angular orientation via a channel-containing clamping component 70.

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