Basic Techniques for Extremity Reconstruction ― External Fixator Applications According to Ilizarov Principles

This book provides detailed descriptions of fundamental techniques that may be employed for extremity reconstruction and distraction osteogenesis in accordance with the principles established by Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov. Techniques of proven value for deformity correction, limb lengthening, reconstruction of post-traumatic and post-osteomyelitis bone defects, non-union surgery, and fracture fixation with external fixators are thoroughly described step by step with the aid of a wealth of illustrative material. In addition, indications and preoperative planning are clearly explained. Throughout, care is taken to highlight important technical tips and tricks as well as clinical pearls and pitfalls. Since the first description of distraction osteogenesis by Ilizarov in the 1950s, numerous technical improvements have been made and new devices, developed, even though the basic principles have remained the same. This new book will be of value for both novice and more experienced surgeons who use distraction osteogenesis for the purpose of extremity reconstruction.

Mehmet ?akmak served as Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medical School, University of Istanbul, Turkey from 1992 to 2011. He first joined the Faculty of Medicine in Istanbul as a research assistant in 1973, subsequently becoming a Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology in 1978 and Associate Professor in 1985. Dr. ?akmak is a longstanding member of the Turkish Orthopaedics and Traumatology Association (TOTDER) and the Ilizarov Association. He is the author of 66 articles in peer-reviewed international journals and of numerous book chapters.

Cengiz Sen works in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey. He graduated from Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University in 1988 and subsequently completed a Specialization in Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the Medical School of Istanbul, Istanbul University, and Fellowships at Baltimore Sinai Hospital, Maryland, USA and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. His special interests are limb lengthening and reconstruction and adult reconstruction. He is the author of more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed international journals.

Levent Eralp is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey, where he has worked since entering a Residency in 1992. His particular interests include oncologic orthopedics, adult reconstruction, bone lengthening and deformity correction, external fixation, and total joint replacement. He is a member of the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS), Societe Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopedique et de Traumatologie (SICOT), and the Turkish Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology (TOTBID). He is the author of numerous articles in

peer-reviewed international journals.

Halil Ibrahim Balci is an Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey. He graduated from Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul in 2004 and then completed a Residency in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Medical School and a clinical and research fellowship at the Paley Institute, St Mary Hospital, West Palm Beach, USA. He is a qualified Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology (FEBOT) with particular experience in traumatology, deformity correction, and sports medicine.