Ilizarov

The Ilizarov Technique, pioneered by orthopedic surgeon Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov, revolutionized surgical processes for complex bone fractures, limb deformities, and bone infections. Using external fixators such as rods, wires, and rings, this technique reshapes and lengthens limb bones while stimulating the formation of new, healthy bone tissue. Distraction Osteogenesis, a principle of the Ilizarov method, gradually pulls bone surfaces apart to promote neovascularization and new bone growth, effectively treating conditions like pseudo-arthrosis and osteomyelitis. With its minimally invasive approach, the Ilizarov Technique offers successful treatment for previously untreatable bone diseases.

Indications For Ilizarov Technique:

  • Comminuted fractures with skin loss
  • Correction of acquired and congenital limb deformities
  • Height increase for dwarfs
  • Bone infections
  • Correction of poliomyelitis sequelae
  • Treatment of malunited fractures and non-unions

Ilizarov Limb Lengthening Procedure:

  • Also known as Transosseous Osteosynthesis
  • Involves passing 1.5mm diameter wires through skin and bones
  • Wires fixed to rings connected by threaded rods
  • Corticotomy (bone cutting) performed to initiate distraction
  • Deformities corrected by adjusting rods
  • External fixator removed post-procedure
  • Intensive physiotherapy reduces joint problems and hospital stay

Benefits of Ilizarov Technique

The Ilizarov Technique offers numerous benefits, including reduced tissue trauma, infections, and hemorrhage compared to conventional surgery. Its minimally invasive nature and use of external fixators ensure precise correction of deformities in three dimensions while promoting faster recovery and reduced hospital stays for patients.

Leg Shortening Surgery

  • Also known as bone shortening or femoral lengthening
  • Corrects leg length inequality (LLD) and related deformities
  • Indicated for abnormally long or short legs, often in skeletally mature or immature patients
  • Causes of LLD include tight muscles, birth defects, diseases like cerebral palsy, and previous injuries

Cosmetic Limb Lengthening

  • Modern procedure for correcting leg deformities and lengthening bones
  • Involves surgical cut in thigh or leg bones to promote bone mending and lengthening
  • Distraction Osteogenesis used to correct deformities and lengthen bones gradually
  • Suitable for both children and adults with deformities due to injuries, birth defects, or trauma