Cus my dr wanted me to look like a freak lol. No, I broke the tip of my tibia (tibial plateau fracture) and this was the only way to fix it. The other option was to "fillet" my entire shin, go in, repair it, staple it, then put a cast on top of that. The dr did the surgery and then realized the fixator was the way to go. I was VERY freaked out when I woke up from surgery and saw this! I don't remember much of that week in the hospital, but I guess I chewed the dr out BAD and they pretty much had to keep me drugged up and sedated while I was there. Horrible nightmare. My BFF even took pics of my leg, posted it on facebook, and a message to all of our friends "One of our girls down"- OMG. I was so mad, but then realized she had good intentions. I am blessed with wonderful family and friends and this for sure put them all to the test, because I was pretty mean to everyone and they still came to see me everyday.....awwwww