The Use of Ilizarov Method at the Lower Extremity Deformity Management.

Objectives: Complications are common in the treatment of lower extremity congenital or acquired deformities by Ilizarov method. The results to be obtained vary in specific patient groups. In this study, deformities who developed before the age of 16 were compared with those developed after this age regardless of the type of aetiology, in terms of results obtained, treatment durations and complications encountered.

Methods: 53 bone deformities with an average of 9.5 (7.5-18) years of follow-up treated by the same surgeon were divided into 2 groups according to the age of deformity onset. Demographics and deformity characteristics of patients were defined, treatment times, bone healing indexes, consolidation/correction rates, problems encountered and results obtained were compared retrospectively. The results were compared with ASAMI functional and bone scoring. Complications were rated according to Paley and relative risk increases between groups were calculated.

Results: 26 of the patients were men and 22 were women. The average age was 26.47 (7-57). The mean deformity was 23.98° (7-60) and the mean shortness in 39 patients was 38.65 (10-110)mm. Mechanical axis deviation was corrected in 83% of patients. The Lengthening index was 54.13days/cm in the development group and 63.69 days/cm in adults. Consolidation/correction rate was 2.54 in developmental age and 2.4 (p=0.698) in adults. The risk increased by 1.02 times in terms of problems encountered, 2 for obstacles, 3 times in complications and 1.34 times in total difficulties per case, according to Paley. The duration of stay in the fixator was higher in developmental group (p=0.023). ASAMİ functional (p=0.000148) and anatomical (p=0.000242) scores were better in the adult group.

Conclusion: Congenital or acquired deformities in the lower extremity can be treated with satisfactory results by Ilizarov method. The development of deformity at an early age makes treatment difficult. Although the bone healing index is lower in this group of patients, which usually has a higher amount of shortness, the treatment is usually longer than that of adult deformities; complications are more frequent and serious. Functional and anatomical results are more unsuccessful.