History of the Ilizarovs wire-fixator, stages of hand surgery development at the Ilizarov center

Introduction Hand surgery has its own history in each country which is done by outstanding doctors and scientists. Academician G.A. Ilizarov, the founder of transosseous osteosynthesis, is one of such personalities. Purpose of the work To analyze the stages of development and application of transosseous osteosynthesis in hand surgery, proposed by Academician G.A. Ilizarov. Methods The process of creation and development of transosseous osteosynthesis for short tubular bones was analyzed. We present the main designs and developers of the inventions related to extrafocal osteosynthesis of hand bones. The structural divisions of the Ilizarov Center, in which medical care was provided to the patients with hand pathology, were stated. Results The entire existence and active use of the Ilizarov mini-fixator can be represented by five periods, starting from the period of comprehending the need for its design. Currently, we are in the period of its combined use in conjunction with the reconstruction of hand soft tissues. Conclusion The names of scientists who have made a significant contribution to the development of the Ilizarov method of transosseous osteosynthesis for the hand surgery were given in the final summary. Thanks to the results of their work, we have the opportunity to further develop hand surgery in accordance with the contemporary scientific requirements.