Correction of Lower Limb Deformities Using Ilizarov's Technique
V P Pathania1, A K Sharma2, G R Joshi3
1Addl DGAFMS (E&S), Office of DGAFMS, AHQ 'M' Block, New Delhi.
Insights
The Ilizarov ring fixator effectively treats lower limb deformities in 80% of patients, enabling independent walking. This method offers superior outcomes compared to traditional treatments for limb deformities.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- India faces a significant burden of 10 million individuals with orthopaedic handicaps and limb deformities.
- The Ilizarov ring fixator presents a potential solution for managing these diverse deformities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Ilizarov ring fixator in correcting lower limb deformities.
- To assess patient outcomes and complications associated with the Ilizarov technique.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 20 patients with lower limb deformities treated between March 2001 and February 2003.
- The Ilizarov technique was employed for managing conditions including clubfoot, knee flexion contractures, ankle deformities, and malunited fractures.
Main Results:
- The study included patients aged 11-30 years, with common deformities being knee flexion (8 cases) and clubfoot (6 cases).
- Excellent results (no recurrence, independent ambulation) were achieved in 80% of cases.
- Pin tract infection was the most frequent complication (75%), while mild to moderate recurrence occurred in 20% of patients, with all able to ambulate independently.
Conclusions:
- The Ilizarov ring fixator demonstrates superiority over conventional methods for correcting lower limb deformities.
- The technique facilitates functional recovery, enabling patients to walk independently despite minor recurrences.
Background:
India accounts for approximately 10 million orthopaedically handicapped children and adults with limb deformity. Ilizarov ring fixator could treat most of these deformities.
Methods:
Twenty cases of deformities of lower limb managed with Ilizarov technique during period between March 2001 and February 2003 were studied.
Results:
55% were in the age group of 11-30 years. Out of the 20 cases studied, 6 were congenital talipes equino varus, 8 were fixed flexion deformity of knee, 4 were equines deformity of the ankle and 2 were malunited fracture shaft of tibia.4 patients who had recurrence were operated for fixed flexion deformity of the knee. The main complication encountered was pin tract infection, which was seen in 15(75%) cases. In 16(80%) cases, the results were excellent with no recurrence of deformity and patients were able to walk independently. In 4 (20%) cases, recurrence was mild to moderate (10 to 20) but all of them were able to ambulate idependently and carry out their routine activities.
Conclusion:
Ilizarov ring fixator is a superior compared to conventional methods for correction of deformities of lower limb.
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