THE ILISAROW RING FIXATOR AND ITS APPLICA TION

The Ilisarow ring fixator is an extremely versatile external fixation device. There is a wide range of indications for its use, e.g. fractur es, pseudarthroses and non-unions, large defects, deformities and limb shortening. The device consists of rings or half-rings, which are con nected to each other by threaded rods or plates and to the bone by wir es under tension. This design allows neutral fixation, compression or distraction of the bone fragments. Because of its low axial stiffness at low loads and increased stiffness at higher loads, this fixator pro motes osteogenesis and reduces strain on the tissues in functional tre atment. Surgical intervention for its application is minimally invasiv e. This is a useful addition to the orthopaedic surgeon's armamentariu m, providing proper attention is paid to preoperative planning, the pr inciple rules of frame design and wire insertion technique, and postop erative management.