Ilizarow method


Ilizarow method

[G. A. Ilizarow, Soviet surgeon, 1921–1992] Lengthening a bone by cutting through the outer layer but not into the marrow cavity. The two ends are held in place for a week and then slowly pulled apart with an external fixator device. This is known as distraction. The bone may be lengthened by about 1 mm/day. After lengthening is complete, the device is left in place for at least a month to allow complete healing of the bone. The bone is radiographically evaluated for completeness of healing before the device is removed.