The effect of wire configuration on the stability of the Ilizarov external fixator

The stability of the basic unit for fixation of the Ilizarov external fixation system was tested in several loading modes. The effects of varying the number of wires and the orientation of wire placement were studied. The fixation units were mounted on a plastic, simulated, long bone and tested by loading in several directions. The Ilizarov fixation ring was found to be relatively stiff in axial compression and torsion. Its stiffness in this mode was directly proportional to the number of wires in the system and independent of the configuration of wire placement. Loading in bending and in shear provided much lower levels of stiffness, and this was dependent on the angles formed between the wires. The addition of a wire at a minimum distance of 4 cm from the primary ring significantly improved bending stiffness. The use of opposed olive wires also improved shear stiffness.