Providing a comprehensive overview of the current orthopedic uses of intramedullary devices, this practical, well-illustrated guide opens with a review of the history of limb lengthening from the early external fixator up to Ilizarov s monumental discoveries, with a summary of the biology of new bone formation in a widening distraction gap. This is followed by post-Ilizarov developments with external fixators designed to ease application and increase patient tolerance of such devices, as well as a discussion of the intramedullary lengthening devices from the earliest mechanical distractors to the most modern implants, detailing the surgical principles, pre-operative planning and specific operative techniques for each. Concluding chapters focus on preventing and dealing with complications from the surgery and day-to-day post-operative management.