Tibial Lengthening using the classic Ilizarov Technique

摘要

Objective: To evaluate the results of tibial lengthening using the classic Ilizarov technique.Method: A retrospective study was performed between June 2005 and August 2009 on six patients who underwent tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov distraction technique.Results: Of the six patients, four were males and two were females. Mean age was 17 years (range 8 ? 43 years). Mean tibial length gain was 4.9cm (range 3 ? 9cm). Mean time in the frame was 9 months (range 7 ? 11 months). The complications were: six superficial pin tract infections, four axial deviations, two residual leg length discrepancies, on delayed union, and one equinus contracture.Conclusion: Tibial lengthening can be successfully achieved by the conventional Ilizarov technique. However, this method is time-consuming, and is associated with many complications. Introduction The use of the Ilizarov method has markedly improved the short-term results and reduced the frequency of complications (1). However, the complication rates are still high (2, 3). The conventional Ilizarov technique for tibial lengthening is frequently time consuming, interferes with activities of daily living and is associated with many complications. The technique of tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail has gained wide acceptance because of the improvements in patient comfort it offers and the reduction in complications (4, 5, 6, 7).The author reviews his results of tibial lengthening using the classic Ilizarov technique. Subjects and Methods This restrospective study was performed between June 2005 and August 2009. Six patients underwent a tibial lengthening procedure involving the use of the Ilizarov distraction technique. The conventional Ilizarov technique was used; no intramedullary device was inserted during the distraction phase or during the consolidation phase. The aetiologies of the leg length discrepancy (LLD) and each patient?s demographics are listed in Table 1.