A connecting rod for an external fixation device may include a telescopic housing having an axial bore, an inner sleeve slidably disposed within the axial bore of the telescopic housing, a fastener operable to releasably couple the inner sleeve and the telescopic housing, an elongated member coupled to the inner sleeve, and two joints. One joint may be coupled to a proximal end of the telescopic housing, and include a rotatable member and a connecting member coupled to the rotatable member, such that the connecting member is operable to receive a connecting element from an external fixation ring. The other joint may be coupled to a distal end of the elongated member, and include a rotatable member and a connecting member coupled to the rotatable member. Each joint may also include a rotatable member housing with one or more sidewall grooves that limit rotation of the respective rotatable members.