The Illizarov method in infected non-union of long bones.

OBJECTIVE To review the results of the management of infected non-union of long bones using the Illizarov fixator. METHODS Eight patients with non-union of long bones associated with current or prior infection were treated between 1998 and 2006. Seven patients were treated between 2004 and 2006. There were seven males and one female with an average age of 32 years (range 17-53 years). Four non-unions were located in the tibia, two were present in the humerus, one was present in the femur and one was intraarticular. Five non-unions were treated with acute compression, two were treated with bone transport and the frame was used in a static mode in one. RESULTS There was one excellent, three good, one fair and three poor results. CONCLUSION The Illizarov technique is an important treatment method for surgeons performing posttraumatic reconstructive surgery. Non-union, infection, shortening and deformity are all addressed simultaneously.