Ilizarov Method in Lengthening of Extremities

Abstract

31 bone segments of 29 patients (19 male, 10 female), with a mean age of 14,4 (6-25), lengthened in Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Medical Faculty of Istanbul University between August 1993 and September 1995. Patients were treated by Ilizarov method. A small insicion was performed, the periosteum was preserved, rotational osteoclasis was accomplished and a circular external fixator of Ilizarov type was used. Average shortness in tibiae was 5,4 cm (3.5-11 cm) and femora was 5.9 cm (3-8 cm). The lengthening procedure was carried out at a rate of 0.5 mm/day for the poliomyelitis cases and 1 mm/day for the other cases. Average lengthening amount in tibiae was 5.2 cm (2.5-11 cm) and the healing index was nearly 62.6 day/cm (19-157 day/cm). Also the average lengthening for femorae was 5.9 cm (3-8 cm) and the inequality healing index was 34 day/cm (30-43 day/cm). In 27 cases (93.1 %) desired length was achived. As a result, in cases who have extremity lengthening by Ilizarov method is a reliable and successfull method.