We applied joint distraction using an Ilizarov apparatus in 11 patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle to try to delay the need for an arthrodesis. Distraction for three months resulted in clinical improvement in pain and mobility for a mean of two years, with an increase in the joint space. We considered that these effects may be produced by the absence of mechanical stress on the cartilage combined with the intra-articular hydrostatic pressures during distraction. We measured these pressures during walking with distraction, and found levels very similar to those reported to improve osteoarthritic cartilage when applied in vitro.

We describe a technique of femoral derotation osteotomy performed according to the Ilizarov principles of percutaneous corticotomy and fixation with a frame. We performed 24 femoral osteotomies in 16 patients, four with cerebral palsy and 12 with idiopathic femoral anteversion. All had rapid union and there were few complications. The advantages of the method include early ambulation, good control of rotation and axial alignment, and minimal scarring.

A case of osteogenesis imperfecta, presenting with bowed deformity of both forearm bones and dislocation of the radial head was treated by separate elongation of both bones using Ilizarov's external fixator.