Ilizarov technology in China: a historic review of thirty-one years

Abstract

Purpose: To summarize the evolution of Ilizarov technology in China, highlight important milestones, introduce the atmosphere of the era concerning the first uses and development of this technology, and share Chinese modification and experience in this field.

Method: A thorough interview with senior ASAMI members of China and literature search and physical books in libraries was undertaken to summarize the history of Ilizarov technology in China.

Results: The formal development of Ilizarov technology began when professor Ilizarov himself came to Beijing (1991) and gave a speech. In the following 31 years, his technology was rapidly developed through China, with many symposiums held and associations established including ASAMI China (2003) and ILLRS China (2015). Today, Ilizarov technology has become the main treatment of complex fractures, defects, nonunion, infections, deformities, and chronic ischemic ulcers of the limbs. In those years, Chinese scholars also developed some special treatment methods and made many modifications to Ilizarov external fixators.

Conclusion: Ilizarov technology has developed in China for 31 years. It revolutionized the treatment of complex limb traumas, deformities, and diseases. In the treatment of millions of patients, Chinese scholars had many unique experiences and made modifications to this technology which is worthy to share with the world.

Keywords: China; External Fixation; Ilizarov technology; Modifications; Orthopedic heritage.

Fig. 1

ILLRS in Brazil, 2012 (a), China as a full member (b)

Fig. 2

He Meng’s external fixator (a) and Qi-Hong Li’s half-ring groove external fixation (b)

Fig. 3

Yan-Sheng Wang and his wife. Before lengthening, his wife was 153 cm high (a), and after the lengthening of the legs (b), she was 7 cm (c). Provided by Dr. Long Qu

Fig. 4

Ilizarov and his translator Irina Saranskikh (Иpинa Capaнcкиx) on the Great Wall

Fig. 5

The first Beijing International Forum on limb lengthening and reconstruction. From left to right: Lang Yang, Si-He Qin, Gang Li, Tao-He Xia, VIadimir I Shevtsonv, Rainer Baumgart, Michael Liverick, Dror Paley, Yisu Zhao, Novikov Konstantin

Fig. 6

He-Tao Xia’s modifications on Ilizarov fixation: configuration for flexed knee deformity (a); configuration of leg lengthening and synchronization device of the tibia and Achilles tendon (the arrow) (b); double telescope rods design for limb lengthening (c)

Fig. 7

Transverse tibial transport instrument designed by Long Qu (a); the device was used for a case of thromboangiitis obliterans (b); X-film showed the transport was in the process (c)

Fig. 8

A mini-transverse tibial transport fixator designed by Yue-Liang Zhu

Fig. 9

Universal configuration for foot and ankle deformities: oblique view (a) and lateral view (b)

Fig. 10

The schematic diagram of cooperative research relationship between countries and regions. Different colors represent different countries/regions. The countries/regions which have a larger area means they have more publications. The links indicate the international cooperation of researchers from different countries/regions