[The Ilizarov external fixator and method. Treatment of congenital and acquired deformities].

The Ilizarov method, with external fixation by means of rings, rods and wires, has been used at the Norwegian National Hospital, Orthopaedic Centre, since 1992. The method is unique in correcting multiplanar deformities in one surgical procedure. We have treated 70 patients with a wide variety of orthopaedic etiologies. Soft tissue and bone deformities in the lower extremity have been corrected separately or combined. The frequency of complications has been relatively high, but we still think that the Ilizarov method is useful to correct complex deformities in children and adults alike.