Diagnostic and therapeutic technology assessment. Distraction/compression osteosynthesis with the Ilizarov device.

Although the Ilizarov device (and technique) to treat problematic fractures and bone deformities has been used since the 1950s in the former Soviet Union, the technique was not introduced to the United States until 1984. Since that time, the technique has become increasingly popular because, in comparison with the alternatives, the Ilizarov technique involves only one surgical procedure and it appears to have fewer complications. In addition, the Ilizarov technique was designed to correct multiple deformities simultaneously. The DATTA panelists thought that the technique was established in terms of safety and effectiveness as a treatment of limb length deformity, bone defects, and angular/rotational deformity of the long bones. The panelists thought that it was promising in terms of safety and effectiveness as a treatment of pseudarthrosis. However, this overall endorsement of the technique was tempered by comments that the technique was associated with a lengthy learning curve, was very labor intensive, and required a large degree of patient cooperation.