Ilizarov external fixation without removal of plate or screws: effect on hypertrophic and oligotrophic nonunion of the femoral shaft with plate failure.

Patients with hypertrophic and oligotrophic nonunion of the femoral diaphysis associated with plate failure can be treated by Ilizarov external fixation without plate removal. Advantages of this technique include a lack of damage to the blood supply and simultaneous deformity correction.