Ilizarov technique / Taylor spatial frame (TSF) (frame surgery)

For the treatment of

Limb bones requiring lengthening or reshaping; complex and/or open bone fractures; infected non-union of bones that are not amenable with other techniques. 

Commissioning position

Limb bones requiring lengthening or reshaping; complex and/or open bone fractures; infected non-union of bones that are not amenable with other techniques. 

Summary of rationale

The technique can result in improved outcomes but is demanding for patients, illustrated by the voluntary amputation rate of 1.6% (95% CI 0 to 3.1), which underlines the need for careful patient selection. An MDT approach is recommended to ascertain if Ilizarov/TSF is the best clinical option. 

References

RCSENG: Ilizarov/TSF  

The 50 most influential papers pertaining to the Ilizarov method: A bibliometric analysis - PMC (nih.gov) 

Distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of long bone defects of the lower limbs | Bone & Joint (boneandjoint.org.uk)

Associated Pathways

There are no associated pathways.

Specialties

MSK & Orthopaedics York MSK & Orthopaedics North Yorkshire Musculoskeletal Hull Musculoskeletal East Riding Musculoskeletal North Lincolnshire Musculoskeletal North East Lincolnshire

Places covered by

  • east-riding
  • hull
  • north-east-lincolnshire
  • north-lincolnshire
  • north-yorkshire
  • vale-of-york
Author:
Date created: 12/06/2025, 14:50
Last modified: 15/07/2025, 16:00
Date of review: 2027-10-31