[Use of the Ilisarow device for correction of extensive Madelung's deformity]

After a historical review of the Madelung's deformity, an operative technique is presented, using the Ilisarow distractor to correct severe deformities in adolescence. The goal of surgery at this age is the prevention of complications in a later period. These complications include arthrosis, pain, progressive limitation of motion in the wrist, and ruptures of extensor tendons. Our method is useful to do an operative correction - also of big angles - without using an autologous bone graft. Furthermore, the use of Ilisarow techniques allows gradual non-invasive corrections in the first postoperative period, and we can avoid surgery of the distal ulna to maintain the distal radio-ulnar joint. In 1991, three patients were treated in this manner and the results are encouraging.