The first part of this manual deals with the experimental and scientific basis and the principles of the AOjASIF method of stable internal fixation. It deals with the function and primary use of the different AO implants, the use of the different AO instruments, and the essentials of the operative technique and postoperative care. It also discusses the handling of the most essential postoperative complications. The second part deals at length with the AO recommendations for the operative treatment of the most common closed fractures in adults. This has been organized in anatomical sequence. The discussion of closed fractures is followed by a discus sion of open fractures in adults, fractures in children, and finally pathological fractures. The third part presents, in a condensed fashion, the application of stable internal fixation to reconstructive bone surgery. 1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1 Aims and Fundamental Principles of the AO Method The Chief Aim of Fracture Treatment is the Full Recovery of the Injured Limb. In every fracture, there is a combination of damage to both the soft tissues and bone. Immediately after the fracture and during the repair phase, we see certain local circulatory disturbances, specific manifestations of local inflammation, pain, and reflex splinting. These three factors, that is, circulatory disorders, inflammation, and pain, when combined with the defunctioning of bone, joints, and muscle, result in the so-called juncture disease.
