Unilateral external fixation for severe open tibial fractures. Preliminary report of a prospective study.

In a prospective survey of severe open tibial fractures, the incidence of serious complications with relatively rigid one- or two-plane unilateral fixator frames was considerably lower than with internal fixation by plates and screws. Unilateral configurations that contain rigid components provide better wound access than bilateral frames and interfere less with knee and ankle motion; they allow unencumbered partial and even full weight-bearing. This increases comfort and mobility and may have a positive effect on fracture healing. No standard formula exists, however, for the application of an optimal unilateral frame. The clinical and mechanical demands of each patient and injury must be considered individually.