Abstract
Objective Although it may have been criticized and questioned by
numerous authors, external fixation holds its place in modern
orthopaedics and traumatology. The aim of this paper is to show the
applicability of the unilateral 3D external fixation in everyday
practice. Methods For external fixation of the bones, we used unilateral
3D external fixators according to Mitkovic. Results In the Republic of
Serbia, the Mitkovic unilateral 3D external fixation system has been
used in over 30,000 cases. The indication field of applicability of this
method is wide. External fixation method was mostly used for the
treatment of open and closed tibial fractures at all levels, in open
femoral fractures as a part of the “staging” protocol and in fractures
of the upper limbs. We used external fixation for the treatment of
nonunions, malunions, in the treatment of osteitis, septic
pseudoarthrosis, angular knee deformities, post-traumatic deformities,
for limb lengthening and in replantation surgery. Conclusion The
unilateral external fixator enables 3D biomechanical stability and is
suitable for use in everyday traumatology and orthopaedics practice.