Background: The method of "callus distraction" is the only technique which spontaneously produces vascularized bone within the surrounding soft tissues during lengthening reconstructive procedures. Remodeling of the regenerate bone to specific mechanical load can be influenced by the surgeon. In principle, there is no limit to the amount of new bone formation which can be created; this vascularized bone is both resistant to infection and can be created to replace resected infected bone. This is an important prerequisite for the successful treatment of large bone defects.
Technique: The ring fixator is still a standard tool if no radiological control is available in the operating theater, or in other less sophisticated environments. Over the last 30 years, however, the development of motorized, external and fully implantable systems has made it possible to achieve a significant increase in device implementation, which goes far beyond the standard.
Results: High-performance, reliable, custom-made external and fully implantable systems are cost intensive and require special surgical skills, which can only be ensured at specialized centers. However, the complication-free treatment results justify the effort both for the patient and, ultimately, for the cost bearers.
Keywords: Bone defect; Bone tumors; Callus distraction; Fully implantable systems; Motorized intramedullary nail; Osteotomy; Traction Wire System.