TREATMENT OF LARGE BONE DEFECTS WITH THE ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE

Between 1985 and 1990 we treated 11 large segmental bone defects (aver age 6.7 cm) in ten patients with the Ilizarov technique. Open fracture s, type III according to Gustilo, represented the largest group (8 of 11 cases). The average delay before the Ilizarov technique was initiat ed was 8.9 months. The external fixator was usually maintained for 1 y ear. Bone regeneration was obtained in every case. Consolidation was n ot fulfilled with this technique in three cases. The complications obs erved were one refracture, four leg-length discrepancies (average 1.5 cm), and five axial deformities exceeding 5 degrees. No pin-track infe ction was observed. In our limited series of four type IIIC open fract ures treated by the Ilizarov technique, no patients required amputatio n. The Ilizarov technique is particularly useful in the treatment of l arge bone defects, without major complications, especially if there is an adequate initial debridement.