Ligamentotaxis in pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid bone (preliminary report).

Three cases are reported of pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid bone which have been treated by distraction with an external fixator employing ligamentotaxis. The investigations of Ilizarov and collaborators are discussed, pertaining as they do to stimulation of osteogenesis by distraction. Also considered are the possible indications for use of the method in some unfavourable fresh fractures of the scaphoid.