Prevention and management of complications of the Ilizarov treatment method.

Serious orthopaedic conditions such as nonunions and pilon, calcaneal, and Lisfranc fractures, as well as leg lengthening, correction of angular deformities, resection of osteomyelitis, and bone transfer, can be treated successfully with the Ilizarov system. However, complications such as contractures, loss of range of motion, neurologic deficits, articular damage, contractures, and pin track infections can occur. This article describes the costs of limb salvage with the Ilizarov system compared with amputation as well as possible complications and their prevention; it also provides a treatment protocol.