Aims: To evaluate the results and complications of Ilizarov bone transport method for the treatment of long bones defects. Methods: Between 1990 and 2001 the Ilizarov intercalary bone transport method was applied to treat 44 patients with segmental bone loss of the femur and tibial. The series comprised 30 males and 14 females with an average age of 33 years (range 17–68 years). Two different types of treatment were used: Ç monofocal È technique, for small bone defects up to 4 cm and Ç bifocal È technique, for large bone defects (4–20 cm). The mean bone defect was 10 cm (range 3–18cm), while mean external þxation time was 8.6 months (range 3–24 months). The mean consolidation index of the distraction gap was 23 days/cm (range 18–27 d/cm). Mean follow up period after frame removal was 4 years (range 1–11 years). Results: The bone results were rated as excellent in 33 patients (74%), good in 6 (13%) and poor in 1 (2%). The functional results were rated as excellent in 7 patients (16%), good in 29 (66%), fair in 5 (11%), and poor in 3 (7%). Pin tract infection was the most common complication. The late complications included axial deformities, re-fractures and joint stiffness. Conclusions: The Ilizarov method is still an effective technique for bone defects treatment; the main disadvantage is the prolonged external þxation time.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Ilizarov method in treating septic nonunions of lower extremities. Method: Between 1990–2001, 74 patients (59 males and 15 females), with infected nonunion of the tibia and femur were treated using the Ilizarov device (the monofocal or bifocal com-pressiondistraction technique). The average age was 36 years (range 17–68 years) and the patients were evaluated using a modiþed Paley classiþcation for septic nonunions. The mean preoperative bone defect was 9 cm (range 3–18 cm) and it was present in 39 of 74 patients. The mean lengthening index was 36 days/cm (range 27–42 days/cm), the mean external þxation time was 6,3 months (range 3–24 months) and the mean follow up period after frame removal was 4 years (range 1–11 years). Results: Bone union was achieved in all 74 patients (100%) with no infection recurrence. The bone results were excellent in 52 patients (70%), good in 11 (15%), fair in 6 (8%) and poor in 5 (7%), whereas the functional results were excellent in 27 patients (36,5%), good in 35 (47%), fair in 7 (9,5%) and poor in 5 (7%). In four patients bone grafting at the docking site was needed. Late complications included: 9 axial deformities (12,2%), 2 re-fractures (2,7%) and 28 patients (37,8%) with joint stiffness. Conclusions: The Ilizarov technique in the treatment of septic nonunion has a high rate of success considering bone union, bone loss restoration and eradication of infection Sports Ð varia