Ilizarov Method in Veterinary Practice

It is an orthopedic technique that uses a circular external fixator, made of rings connected by rods and attached to the bone with tensioned wires, to stabilize fractures, correct deformities and lengthen or reconstruct bones. It is based on the tension-stress principle described by Gavriil Ilizarov: bone and soft tissues regenerate when subjected to slow, controlled distraction.

Main indications include angular and rotational limb deformities, limb length discrepancy, complex or comminuted fractures, nonunions and bone defects, bone transport, and situations where internal implants are not well suited, such as bone infection. The indication depends on clinical assessment and individual planning.

It is the formation of new bone in the gap created by gradually separating two bone segments after an osteotomy. Distraction is usually done in small daily increments, allowing the bone to be lengthened or a segment to be transported to fill a defect.

From CT scans, the bone is segmented and reconstructed in 3D. This makes it possible to measure axes and angles, locate the center of the deformity, simulate the osteotomy and correction, and virtually assemble the frame before surgery, making the procedure more predictable.

Yes. In revision cases such as implant failure, nonunion, bone infection or osteomyelitis, and residual deformity after osteosynthesis or TPLO, the circular fixator allows the bone to be stabilized without internal implants at the site and the alignment and length to be corrected progressively.

Fundamentals and clinical decision-making, biological and biomechanical principles, fixator components and assembly, 3D planning and commented clinical cases. Ten figures include a QR code to 3D surgical simulations in the Reader Area. The book is written in Portuguese.

Prof. Antonio Gorios Filho, MSc in Surgery from IOT-FMUSP and coordinator of the ILIZAROV-VET course, and Prof. Diogo Borges, both from SOMAVET – Bone Reconstruction Center, São Paulo, Brazil.

Yes. The authors run the ILIZAROV-VET course and the Bone Reconstruction Program, with training in circular fixator assembly and planning. New classes are announced first to people on the interest list.