Stability with unilateral external fixation in the tibia

Abstract Unilateral external fixation can be used in the provisional or definitive treatment of tibial fractures. A properly applied fixator allows bony and soft tissue stability, whereas an improperly applied fixator achieves neither and can be a hindrance. The principles for the successful application of monolateral external fixation, including the rationale for choosing this type of device, the assembly of its components and deciding on planes of application, are discussed in this article.