Reuse of Ilizarov frame components:  a potential cost savings?
Although there is a potential hospital cost savings in reusing Ilizarov frame components, such reuse must be carefully considered in view of the deterioration of the parts during clinical use.  A study is presented that addresses this issue through examination of clinically removed frames, laboratory testing, and engineering calculations.
Kummer
F J
FJ
Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, New York.
Frankel
V H
VH
Catagni
M A
MA
D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000295:instrumentation; D017046:Cost Savings; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004869:Equipment Safety; D016267:External Fixators / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical