The Ilizarov apparatus (aka Ilizarov frame) is an external metallic orthopedic fixation device used to length or reshape limbs from congenital deformity or following injury. It acts through the slow bone extension and soft tissues including nerves, blood vessels and muscles.
Uses
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bone lengthening
used when the lower extremities length discrepancy is more than 5 cm
used for limb lengtheing in short stature, especially achondroplasia
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fractures
it was first used to treat fracture non-union in the 1950s
currently, it is widely used to treat open and compound fractures
used to treat bone deformities, like angular deformity
it enables early weight bearing due to circular construction and tentioned wires
History and etymology
The procedure was pioneered by the Soviet orthopedic surgeon Gavrill Abramovich Ilizarov (1921-1992).
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