Use of modified Ilizarov olive wires as pushing wires

We describe a technique for the use of modified Ilizarov olive wires to stabilize bone fragments or segments or to act as a "motor" to move individual bone fragments. This technique was used in twelve patients with severe articular or comminuted open fractures referred to the unit for reconstruction with the Ilizarov frame. Six patients had comminuted plafond fractures of the tibia, and three had tibial plateau fractures. In these cases the articular fragments were reduced and stabilized until union. The modified pushing olive wire is a valuable adjunct to the Ilizarov frame.