The Ilizarov Frame is a circular external fixator. It is one of the strongest, most stable and most versatile external fixators used in orthopaedic surgery. It has a vast spectrum of applications in orthopaedic surgery including limb lengthening, deformity correction, managing bone infection, limb reconstruction and management of complex acute fractures or fracture non-union.

The frame is formed of rings or parts of rings applied on specific bone segments. The bone is divided between these segments (a process called corticotomy) and the segments are very gradually moved in relation to each other using connecting rods, nuts and bolts. This allows the bone segments to be re-aligned in relation to each other causing the lengthening or the deformity correction.

This is a complex procedure that should be undertaken only in specialised centres, by experienced surgeons who are very familiar with this technique.