[The Ilizarov apparatus in pseudoarthrosis of the long bones]

Distraction osteogenesis with the Ilizarov technique is effective in achieving bone healing in both atrophic and infected pseudoarthrosis. In 10 patients with atrophic and 14 with infected pseudoarthrosis treated by this method, solid bone union with reconstruction of anatomical limb length was achieved in all except 1. They ranged in age from 16-80, with a mean of 44. The mean treatment time was 9.4 months for the femur, 4.5 months for the tibia and 8 months for the radius. Patients could be actively rehabilitated all during the course of treatment and they achieved independent ambulation by the time the apparatus was removed. There were no complications.