[Large defects of the bones and soft tissues treated with the Ilizarov method]

We presented 15 cases with the defects and shortening of the lower leg. In 14 cases the defect of the bone and soft tissues was the result of the lower injury, in one case shortening was due to the dysplastic bone tumor. The large defects of the soft tissues were present by all patients, so they could be classified in the Group "D" or Fourth Category of the open fractures All the cases were treated by the lifting graft and Ilizarov external fixator. Eleven of the fifteen cases were treated by the cutaneous and muscle-cutaneous flap for faster and better cover of the soft tissue defect.