[Lengthening of the extremities and treatment of segmental defects by callus distraction]

Under certain conditions after osteotomy, continuous distraction of the bone ends can induce regeneration of bone tissue with bridging of the defect. This method has been used by Ilizarov for over 30 years and has proved very useful in lengthening procedures of the extremities and curing segmental defects. Particularly large defects (over 5 cm) may be bridged much faster than by conventional methods with repeated bone grafting. In many cases a single surgical procedure will suffice.