Analysis of Ilizarov apparatus application in acute traumatic lesions and treatment of complications of different parts of musculosceletal system at the Department of orthopedic surgery and traumatology in Novi Sad

Abstract

Introduction. For multiply traumatized or polytraumatized patients, the preservation of normal limb function with minimal complication is the highest priority. The supreme principle of the Ilizarov techique is to achieve limb stability with equality, without deformities, with sufficient muscle function and full range of joint movement with minimal risk of infection. It is also of great importance to decrease the length of immobility with the least possible number of surgical procedures. Material and Methods. We present a retrospective and partially prospective study with the analysis of the Ilizarov apparatus application for managing acute traumatic fractures, bone fracture complications and other orthopedic conditions eligible for treatment with this technique. This study covers our experiences and results gained in the period from 2003 to 2016. The analysis included a broad spectrum of orthopedic and traumatology conditions such as acute fractures, non-union fractures, malunion fractures, pseudoarthrosis, congenital and acquired bone deformities and the final treatment after total knee joint replacement failures. Results. After a long follow-up time, the long-term results were assessed by estimating the results of clinical examinations, X-ray evaluations, Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov bone and functional scoring system and Karlstrom and Olerud functional scoring system evaluations. Conclusion. The introduction of the Ilizarov method at our Department 13 years ago has justified its application in everyday clinical practice by achieving excellent results in the treatment of the most complicated orthopedic and trauma conditions.