[Some references for Ilisarov transosseous osteosynthesis]

The advantages of secondary bone healing by callus formation--as seen in transosseous osteosynthesis--as against primary bone healing are discussed. With the Ilisarov technique, new callus and bone formation can be achieved under constant tension stress. Observations of the phenomenon of limb lengthening by callus distraction go back to Codivelli. A first apparatus for bone lengthening was described by Block as long ago as 1923. The tremendous merit of Ilisarov's work is based on fundamental research and clinical experience with investigation of the effects of tension stress on several sorts of tissue under different conditions.