The Ilizarov external fixator for treatment of deformities in Paget's disease

Paget's disease of bone may cause progressive bowing of affected femurs and tibiae. Fractures or osteotomies in these patients technically are difficult to treat and may lead to delayed union or nonunion. The authors report their early results with the use of the Ilizarov external fixator to affix 3 corrective closing wedge osteotomies, 1 fracture, and 1 delayed union. Deformities were corrected fully during the surgery, with an option to correct remaining deformation progressively during the rest of treatment. Compression of the healing bone was applied to enhance osseous healing, when necessary. Three-dimensional control is possible, and the stability of the fixation is excellent in this structurally weak bone. Bony union was achieved without complications in all patients within 4 months.