Assessment of mechanical stability of a parallel wire bone transport system for use with an Ilizarov frame

A novel fine wire bone transport system for use with Ilizarov frames has been used in Bristol. It uses parallel wires instead of crossed wires. Its stiffness has been tested and compared with a crossed wire construct. In its basic form it is not as stiff to bending and shear loading, however, by modification it can be made at least as stiff. A parallel wire construct does not transfix as much soft tissue as a crossed wire construct when used in the leg. This is advantageous, because soft tissue transfixion causes pain and limb swelling, which impair patient mobilization.