Ilizarov's method in infected tibial pseudarthrosis and for reconstruction of bone defects

The authors describe Ilizarov's method for the treatment of infected tibial pseudarthrosis and for reconstruction of diaphyseal bone defects. This technique was used on 37 patients: 29 cases consisted of infected tibial non-unions without bone defect and 8 cases with consequent bone defect between 2 and 15 cm. Results are variable and less satisfactory than those published by Ilizarov himself or other authors. The late results are better in cases of infected pseudarthrosis without bone defect (79 % bone consolidation, 68 % cure of infection) than in cases with extensive bone defect (44 % bone consolidation, 55 % cure of infection). Ilizarov's method must be considered as very demanding for the patient and also for the surgeon. It is however the only technique for treating simultaneously infection and consolidation.