Ilizarov technique in the treatment of nonunion:Annotation and consideration of the“gold standard”application

Li Peng; Du Gang-qiang; Zhang Kai

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.43.018

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Ilizarov technique is an effective treatment method which can solve various complications that occurred in the process of treatment, especial y for the treatment of nonunion associated with soft tissue defects or severe infection. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of nonunion treatment with the Ilizarov technique. METHODS:A computer-based search was performed on the CNKI database and PubMed database from January 1992 to April 2013 for the articles related to the Ilizarov technology for the treatment of nonunion. The key words of“nonunion, external fixator, Ilizarov”in English and“nonunion, fracture nonunion, external fixation, Ilizarov”in Chinese were used to search the articles in the title and the abstract. Final y, a total of 37 articles were included to review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Ilizarov technique is an effective method to treat limbs nonunion with the infection and severe bone defect. It has become an international y recognized gold standard. Due to the firmly fixation of the Ilizarov ring external fixator, it can not only eliminate the shear force and rotation stress, thus playing a role of stretch tension and compression, but also has the cyclical micro-axialmotion characteristic during weight-bearing walking which can better promote bone union. Based on the reviews of the research progress of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of nonunion in recent years, we further investigate the advantages and methods of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of limbs nonunion. The clinical application of the method should fol ow the individual principle, and then choose the best and suitable method based on the analysis of advantages and disadvantages about the patient’s condition.