Objective To investigate the effects of first external fixator and second locking plate fixation in treating open tibiofibular fractures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the 36 patients with Gustilo'sⅢtype tibia and fibula fractures from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2010. All the patients were treated with first external fixator and second locking plate fixation,and the curative effect and the extremity function were evaluated.Results All patients were followed-up for 18 months (6 to 24 months) in average,and all the fractures were healed in 5.5 months averagely. According the Johner-Wruhs evaluation standard, excellent was in 24 cases, good was 10 cases,and bad was in 2 cases. The excellent and good rate was 94%. According the Merchant evaluation standard, excellent was in 26 cases,good was in 5 cases,fair was in 4 cases,bad was in 2 cases. The excellent and good rate was 86.1%.The outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion The first external Fixator and second locking plate fixation in treating open tibiofibular fractures can improve the healing rate and the functional recovery.