“Reference positions” for the insertion of transosseous elements must comply with two very important requirements: minimum soft-tissue displacement during movements in the joints adjacent to the segment, and no risk of damage to the great vessels and nerves. The use of positions with minimum soft-tissue displacement decreases the risk not only of pin-induced joint stiffness, but also of pin-tract infection because chronic traumatic soft-tissue injury by the transosseous elements is reduced. If soft-tissue displacement is not considered, the term “safe positions” is used.