Treatment of hypertrophic nonunion by using Ilizarov circular fixator

Objective To evalute the effect of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of hypertrophic nonunion.Methods Form June 2008 to December 2010,12 patients with hypertrophic nonunion were treated with Ilizarov technique,including 10 males and 2 females with an average age of 46.5 years.The pathology sites of nonunion were kept as closed as possible without any bone graft during operation.As to patients who had ever been treated with plate or intramedullary nail,the hardware should be removed by minimal invasive approach.These procedures aimed to keep the vascularity of nonunion site intact.Ilizarov apparatus were preoperatively constructed.Distal segment and proximal segment of nonunion were mounted respectively with two external circle using the smooth wires and half pins.The two-circle stabilizing one segment was nominated with transosseous modules.Distal module and proximal one was connected with a pair of axial hinges.The pathology sites were gradually distracted from the seventh day postoperatively,0.25 mm/d.Accompanying with deformity correction,limb length discrepancy (LLD) also were restored simultaneously.Then,all the screws and nuts in the apparatus should be tightened,which was favourable to the callus consolidation.Results All 12 cases of nonunion healed without any bone graft.The fixator wearing time lasted 6-12 months,with an average of 8 months.Correction of deformity and LLD were achieved.The average lengthening was 3.0 cm (range,2.0-5.5 cm),the average correction angle was 23° (range,10°-30°).After 6-18 months follow-up,all the patients restored satisfactory function.Conclusion Hypertrophic nonunion can be treated successfully with Ilizarov technique.The key of successful callus distraction is strictly identifying the indications. Key words: Ilizarov technique;  External fixators;  Osteogenesis, distraction;  Fractures, ununited