From 1 July 1991 to 1 July 1992, 23 patients were treated using an Ili
sarow distraction apparatus. The apparatus was used for callus distrac
tion in 13 patients, and for closed fracture treatment, for generating
longitudinal pressure in the treatment of fractures, for corrective o
steotomy and for soft tissue distraction in 10 patients. Callus distra
ction in the hand has advantages over conventional techniques. Further
more, the Ilisarow technique has its merits in certain fractures of th
e hand.