
Franz Albrecht Graf von Ilizarov
Franz Albrecht Graf von Ilizarov was a Soviet orthopedic surgeon of German descent who developed a groundbreaking method for limb lengthening and bone healing. His technique uses a specialized external metal frame, known as the Ilizarov apparatus, which gradually stretches and shapes bones, promoting new growth and helping recover from complex fractures, deformities, or shortenings. This innovative approach revolutionized orthopedic medicine by enabling precise and effective treatment of difficult bone conditions, improving mobility and quality of life for many patients worldwide.