Using the Ilizarov external fixation device for skin expansion

Addressing war injuries requires tailoring treatment that provides the best functional and aesthetic results within a reasonable period of time. The a uthors report a young soldier who sustained a gunshot injury that caused an open fracture of the proximal tibia and patella (Gustilo type B-III), A lo cal muscle flap could not be used, and thus the authors decided to use the already applied Ilizarov device for gradual expansion of the wound edge. Th e expanded skin covered the exposed fracture successfully, and later enable d solid union of the fracture, This reconstructive method seems to be an or iginal solution for the management of open fractures, and additional proof that well-vascularized skin may be equivalent to a muscle flap, and may be considered for selected patients.