Use of the Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of patients with Ollier's disease

The authors present the results of treatment of 10 patients with Oilier's d isease using the Ilizarov technique. The Ilizarov device was used to treat leg length discrepancy and to enhance the conversion of chondroma cartilage into normal mature bone, with no curettage and bone grafting. The mean dur ation of treatment was 9.4 months. This technique was highly efficient in t reating the disease. It led to conversion of the abnormal cartilage into hi stologically mature bone in all patients. Some complications were seen, suc h as decreased knee mobility, which required prolonged use of the device. T he Ilizarov technique is successful in treating patients with Ollier's dise ase despite some complications and the difficulty in using the technique.