The Use of Ilizarov Method at the Lower Extremity Deformity Management

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Reconstructive surgery

Background:

• Ilizarov method is used for lower extremity deformities.
• Treatment outcomes can vary based on patient-specific factors.
• Deformity onset age is a critical factor influencing treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare treatment outcomes for lower extremity deformities based on age of onset.
• Evaluate differences in treatment duration, complications, and results between pediatric and adult patients.
• Assess the impact of early-onset versus adult-onset deformities on Ilizarov method efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 53 patients with lower extremity bone deformities treated by the Ilizarov method.
• Patients divided into two groups: those with deformities before age 16 (developmental group) and those after (adult group).
• Comparison of demographics, deformity characteristics, treatment times, bone healing indexes, complication rates (Paley classification), and ASAMI scores.

Main Results:

• The developmental group experienced longer fixator duration (p=0.023) and a higher relative risk of complications (3x) and total difficulties (1.34x).
• Lengthening index was 54.13 days/cm in the developmental group vs. 63.69 days/cm in adults.
• Adult patients showed significantly better ASAMI functional (p=0.000148) and anatomical (p=0.000242) scores.

Conclusions:

• The Ilizarov method can yield satisfactory results for lower extremity deformities.
• Early-onset deformities present greater treatment challenges, including longer durations and increased complication severity.
• Adult-onset deformities generally result in more favorable functional and anatomical outcomes compared to pediatric-onset deformities.