New approach to limb deformities in neuromuscular patients

Fifteen deformed limbs in 10 patients with neuromuscular problems were treated by the Ilizarov technique. Five patients with cerebral palsy had, respectively, two deformities, two tight hamstrings and knee flexion contractures, and one bilateral external tibial torsion; two patients with spina bifida (L5-S1) had foot deformities; one arthrogrypotic patient had flexion contractures of both knees; one poliomyelitis patient had flexion contractures of both knees and equinovarus deformities of the feet; and one patient with Poland's syndrome had a 90 degree flexion contracture of the wrist. Complications were few, and none compromised full correction which was achieved in nine patients. The Ilizarov method is a new and efficient tool which can be successfully applied in the treatment of neuromuscular patients.