BACKGROUND In difficult ankle arthrodesis situations, intramedullary (IM) arthrodesis nails and external fixation are often considered in lieu of standard fusion techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of micromotion measured across an ankle fusion site stabilized with either an IM nail or with the Ilizarov external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS The relative bone mine...

The Ortho-SUV frame (OSF) is a novel hexapod circular external fixator which draws upon the innovation of the Ilizarov method and the advantages of hexapod construction in the three-dimensional control of bone segments. Stability of fixation is critical to the success or failure of an external circular fixator for fracture or osteotomy healing. In vitro biomechanical modelling study was perform...

Limb equalization using the Ilizarov method has evolved and adapted the use of internal lengthening devices. One of the newest devices, termed "PRECICE," is a magnetically controlled telescoping nail. Complications such as pin site infection and skin irritation are eliminated. Despite trauma surgeons' familiarity with intramedullary nailing, the Ilizarov method requires sound knowledge of defor...

PURPOSE To assess the Ilizarov technique in treating large infected tibial defects by resection of the infected focus, its acute compression, and gradual distant site lengthening. METHODS 27 men (mean age, 39 years) with infected nonunion and large bone defects of the tibia underwent complete resection of the nonunion site, debridement, sequestrectomy, lavage, and Ilizarov ring fixator applic...

Bone loss and sequestration are the two difficult situations in infected nonunion of Tibia, which poses many challenges in its treatment. Evaluation of functional recovery and bone healing in infected nonunion of tibial diaphysis treated by Ilizarov method. 20 patients with infected nonunion of tibial shaft fractures. All patients had undergone previous surgeries and they were treated by seques...

Background and purpose: The mechanical behavior of an external ring fixator has a direct influence on the bone healing process. In fact, the axial stiffness of the frame and the stability of its elements under repeated loading are essential to promote the bone healing process. In this study we aimed to compare the mechanical behavior of the Stryker Hoffmann LRF (Limb Reconstruction Frame) to tw...

We reviewed 78 femoral and tibial nonunions treated between January 1992 and December 2003. Of these, we classified 41 in 40 patients as complex cases because of infection (22), bone loss (6) or failed previous surgery (13). The complex cases were all treated with Ilizarov frames. At a mean time of 14.1 months (4 to 38), 39 had healed successfully. Using the Association for the Study and Applic...