Bone lengthening and soft tissue correction using the Ilizarov technique
Schiessel, A.; Windhager, R.; Fellinger, E.; Kotz, R.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 110(10): 364-369
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 9654691 Document Number: 489644
From March 1989 to September 1995 at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Vienna General Hospital 31 limb-lengthenings or corrections of the soft-tissue (contractions of joints, clubfeet) using the Ilizarov method were performed. 15 patients have already finished growth. All complications were analysed according to Paley's classification. The tibia-group (n=13) reached an average lengthening of 3.5 cm (2-5.7 cm) [16% (6-35%) of the initial length] with a healing index of 1.7 mo/cm and a complication rate of 42%. In the femur-group (n=8) a mean lengthening of 5.4 cm (2.5-9.4 cm) [21% (7-34%) of the initial length] could be achieved with a healing rate of 1.3 mo/cm and a complication rate of 40%. The ulna-group (n=3) reached an average lengthening of 2.6 cm (2.2-3.4 cm) [21% (17-24%) or the initial length] with a healing index of 1.4 mo/cm and a complication rate of 17%. The knee contracture group (n=2) was free of complications. The Ilizarov technique has been performed successfully in a high percentage although extensive elongations reported by Ilizarov could not be achieved neither by us nor by other authors. The above-mentioned method has been proved to be efficient and successful to correct deformities of the soft-tissue.