Orthopedics and Traumatology

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In the 1950s, Russian physician Dr. Gavril Abramovich Ilizarov, responsible for the orthopedic treatment center in Kurgan, southwestern Russia, improved the well-known method of external fixation of bone segments, developing a circular external fixator model.

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Inspired by observing how a “bicycle wheel” works, Prof. Ilizarov created a versatile and widely applied external fixation model for stabilizing bone segments: a central core (stabilized bone segment), wires under tension for stabilization and load bearing (“bicycle wheel spokes”), resting on a larger arch , giving its external support (bicycle wheel).

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In studying the healing behavior of bone with his circular external fixation method, Dr. Ilizarov found that healing bone tissue could be manipulated and stretched. This healing bone tissue, which can be stretched and manipulated (tough but softened bone), is called regenerated bone. Through slow, progressive adjustments, the healing bone is elongated and with the passive bone being molded, we can manipulate bone deformities, lengthen bones and progressively correct tissue deformities around the bone as well.

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This process of manipulating and shaping healing bone is called bone lengthening. Through this technique, the correction of orthopedic deformities, discrepancies in bone length and treatment of bone infections are performed, with high rates of success and resolution.

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The circular external fixator, designed by Prof. Ilizarov remains current today, with some more modern versions. There are also other types of external fixators such as the monolateral ones, which have a leaner configuration.

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Circular and monolateral fixators (each with its technical requirement and indication) are used to perform the same principles of bone lengthening and treat various orthopedic deformities, such as fractures, post-trauma bone deformities, congenital and tumor deformities, length discrepancies, infection (osteomyelitis) and combined bone and soft tissue deformities. This method considerably expands the treatment options for the diverse and varied orthopedic and traumatic pathologies.