An introduction to distraction osteogenesis and the principles of the Ilizarov method

Although employed by some European veterinary surgeons for over 10 years to manage a variety of musculoskeletal conditions in dogs and cats, the methods of Ilizarov and circular external fixators are only recently being utilized by North American veterinary surgeons. There is little information on this subject in the veterinary literature. This article is designed to provide an introductory overview of the Ilizarov method with emphasis on the principles of distraction osteogenesis and the circular external skeletal fixator.