Unilateral deformity correction

The introduction of joints in unilateral fixators enables these for multipl e deformity corrections. Lengthening and shortening is achieved by changing the length of the fixator telescope. Axial corrections are performed by ad ditive or subtractive techniques using uniplanar joints or by angulation pr ocedures. Translation is done by direct movements of the bone fragments or by metaphyseal "double angulation". Derotation preferably is done as an acu te procedure or in the "ring part" of a hybrid frame. Unilateral fixators a re used to correct and temporarily stabilize until the correction is held b y the nintramedullary nail.