Correction of knee and ankle valgus in hereditary multiple exostoses using the Ilizarov apparatus

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a genetic disorder that causes limb deformities due to disturbance at the growth plates.

Six adolescents, whith symptomatic valgus deformity at the ankle and knee (seven affected legs) underwent correction procedures using the Ilizarov apparatus. In 5 legs, a bifocal Ilizarov apparatus was used, whereas in 2 legs the use of a monofocal apparatus was sufficient.

Correction of the mechanical axis was achieved in all cases, and limb length discrepancy was equalized in the 3 cases that underwent limb elogation. The average knee and ankle corrections were 15 degrees and 18 degrees , respectively. The average time from application to removal of the Ilizarove apparatus was 4.6 months. No major complication occurred.

The use of the Ilizarov method in adolescents with HME enables successful simultaneous correction of multiplanar, multifocal complex limb deformities.