Ilizarov Research Articles

Mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis: diagnosis and treatment planning considerations.

Treatment planning decisions in the transverse dimension have historically been based on the presenting mandibular arch width and form. Distraction osteogenesis (DO), originally developed by Russian orthopedic surgeon Ilizarov, has produced significant results in limb lengthening. Mandibular symphyseal DO was introduced by Guerrero, providing a new paradigm for patients whose treatment alternatives and results were previously limited. Orthodontic and surgical techniques and principles will be shown using completed and current cases.

Major lower limb congenital shortening: a mini review.

Major congenital limb deficiencies are rare and the experience of most orthopaedic surgeons of their management will be small. The suggestion of the establishment of special limb deficiency clinics seems a sensible way of collecting the necessary expertise together in one place in order to advise patient and parents on the long-term management, throughout life, of their problems. Advances in imaging have led to prenatal diagnosis, which produces very significant problems in counselling parents before their child is born. More sophisticated methods of imaging after birth such as magnetic resonance imaging allow more accurate assessment of the deficiency. Early classifications based on plain radiology in the first year of life are being superseded by classifications relevant to the modern methods of reconstruction particularly the circular (Ilizarov) fixator. Similarly the remarkable advances in molecular biology are increasing our understanding of the fundamental causes of these deficiencies and the ultimate aim of their prevention. The rapid advances in reconstruction particularly using circular fixators has made reconstruction rather than amputation and a prosthesis possible, particularly in the milder forms of deficiency. However, the surgeon must remember that these conditions represent a field defect so that reconstruction cannot produce a normal limb. One of the hardest things to explain to patients and parents is that however well reconstruction is performed the result is not a normal limb. In the more severe forms of deficiency frequently the best advice is still amputation and a modern prosthesis. For some patients and parents this is very difficult if not impossible to accept. However, life with a good amputation and modern prosthesis may be better than attempting a long and arduous reconstruction, which still results in an abnormal and imperfect limb.

Lengthening of congenital below-elbow amputation stumps by the Ilizarov technique.

Patients with short congenital amputations below the elbow often function as if they have had a disarticulation of the elbow. We have reviewed the results in six patients who had lengthening of such stumps by the Ilizarov technique to improve the fitting of prostheses. The mean lengthening was 5.6 cm (3.4 to 8.4), and in two patients flexion contractures of the elbows were corrected simultaneously. Additional lateral distraction was used in one patient to provide a better surface on the stump. There were no major complications. All six patients were able to use their prosthesis at the latest follow-up after 39 to 78 months.

Correction of Bilateral Equinus Contracture in A Paraplegic Patient with the Ilizarov Technique

Correction of equinus contracture of feet offers the chance for ambulation. The case reported here describes a 34-year-old paraplegic woman with scald burn resulted in equinus contractures of both feet associated with extensive scar formation who received the Ilizarov external skeletal fixation for the equinus correction and completed the ambulation training program. This technique offers a new horizon in the correction of joints contractures and deformities in traumatized patient as well as in patient suffering from spinal cord injury.