SummaryTibia pilon fractures, fracture-dislocation of the tibiotalar joint, or severely unstable ankle fractures can be readily reduced and stabilized with the urgent application of a simple unilateral external fixator with a two medial bar frame and a foot connection. This frame design can be maintained as a temporary, first stage procedure, a sort of portable form of calcaneal traction in the management of challenging injuries such as pilon fractures. It can also be converted to a full circular frame, implementing thin wires and the half-pins already installed; or it can remain as a “neutralizing implant” in cases of delayed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). In other situations, it can act as a temporary method and portable form of calcaneal traction, until the soft tissue injuries have improved.