Correction of Lower Limb Deformities Using Ilizarov's Technique.

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.