Visits abroad: the treatment of pseudarthrosis in the Soviet Union

Three British surgeons on a visit to Russia were impressed with the Russian technique known as ‘compression distraction’ used mainly in the treatment of infected pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Multiple thick Kirschner wires drilled through the tibia at a distance from the lesion were fixed in stirrups attached to steel rods and turnbuckles. By adjustment of the apparatus deformity was corrected at the time of application; shortening was overcome by gradual turnbuckling. The equipment was also used for leg lengthening and for complicated recent injuries.