[Treatment of septic or non-septic diaphyseal pseudoarthroses by Ilizarov's monofocal compression method]

The treatment of non-union of long bones is one of the best indications for the use of Ilizarov external fixation. The method is somewhat expensive but without risk. In 20 patients, use of the technique achieved healing in cases in which traditional methods such as bone grafts, plates or other types of external fixator had failed. The main advantages are avoidance of further vascular disturbance, a stable and elastic fixation and the possibility of early weight-bearing with consequent compression.