title: Bridging bone gaps with the Ilizarov technique. Biologic principles.
abstract: For the treatment of bone gaps of less than 4 cm, cancellous autografting remains the treatment of choice. But for gaps exceeding 4 cm, the distraction osteogenesis is a viable option. The following conditions should be satisfied: (1) patient selection; (2) stable fixation; (3) osteotomy by corticotomy; (4) 7- to 14-day latency period before initiating distraction; and (5) a controlled rate and rhythm of distraction of 1 mm per day (0.25 mm, four times a day). This type of treatment leaves the pathologic focus alone, and bone healing occurs on the healthy bone. The quality of bone regenerate may be improved by a motorized unit and by better soft-tissue coverage using early grafts and flaps. Interface healing is probably improved by cancellous grafting and internal fixation after the transport period, thus decreasing the fixator time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Regazzoni
mesh_terms: D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016267:External Fixators; D006801:Humans; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000628:therapy*