In 1951, a revolutionary invention was created in traumatology and orthopedics - the Ilizarov apparatus. It is such until now, no other method in bone traumatology has received such wide distribution as the invention of Gabriel Abramovich Ilizarov.
The Ilizarov apparatus is represented by two metal rings and two pairs of spokes. The adaptation to the metaphysical part of the bone is mounted with the help of intersecting metal spokes of various diameters.
In the fifties of the twentieth century, many scientists tried to create a device for transosseous osteosynthesis, but only one was created - the Ilizarov apparatus. Complications of the installation of the device were minimized, since this device provided high-quality immobilization of the damaged limb.
Providing partial functioning of the injured area (restoring its supporting and other functions), this technique allowed us to use the muscles of the limb during the treatment, which not only accelerated the rehabilitation process, but also accelerated the process of fusion of fragments. This feature is due to the fact that the functioning of the damaged limb improves blood flow not only to its muscle tissues, but also to bone formations. The increased blood supply to bone marrow promotes the speedy fusion of fragments and tissue healing.
A distinctive feature of the Ilizarov apparatus is its versatility and versatility. Thanks to modifications and various additional devices, this osteosynthesis technique has been widely used in modern medical practice.
Providing high-quality fixation of the damaged limb, the Ilizarov apparatus allows you to create a minimal (variable) diastasis of fragments and tissues to stimulate tissue growth. This feature made it possible to use it not only for the treatment of fractures, but also for the restoration of other anatomical disorders (most often with different limb lengths).
The colossal work of Ilizarov and a whole team of scientists and doctors working on the creation of the apparatus was embodied in an excellent invention, which has no analogues to date. This device most often today uses such a branch of medicine as “traumatology”. The Ilizarov apparatus incorporated all the best that could be used in osteosynthesis.
Today, this device has received some modifications. Thus, studies conducted by a number of scientists have shown that the fixing characteristics of the apparatus are primarily caused by knitting needles, and are determined not only by their rigidity (diameter and tension force on the support rings), but also by the angle of intersection. And the greatest rigidity is observed when crossing the spokes at an angle of ninety degrees. In addition, to reduce trauma to the bone tissue of the metaphyses (when passing the spokes), various points (trihedral and in the form of a spear) were created. In order to increase the possible load on the Ilizarov apparatus in the places of direct passage of the spokes through the bone tissue , special platforms were created that increase the supporting surface of the device. Such thrust pads are basically located in the central part of the spokes. The role of thrust pads can be performed by all kinds of bends of the spokes, soldering on it and flattening the latter.
Modern research has allowed the creation of spokes with a special coating-spraying, which stimulates the synthetic activity of bone tissue.
At present, the Ilizarov apparatus is an ideal tool for reposition of bone fragments and, perhaps, the only device of its kind for percutaneous osteosynthesis.