ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in improving bone transport axial offset. MethodsBetween January 2010 and December 2014, 14 patients with tibial fracture were treated by using Ilizarov technique. Of 14 cases, 11 were male and 3 were female, aged 18-70 years (mean, 38.8 years); there were 10 cases of infective bone defect and 4 cases of non-infective bone defect. According to Paley typing, 7 cases were rated as type B1(bone defect without shortening) and 7 cases as type B3(bone defect with shortening). The injury to operation time was 1 to 72 months (mean, 11.9 months). Ilizarov fixation was used for type architecture and adjusting fixed bone removal of half the distance between the needle and the ring, changing the auadrilateral edges, adjusting the convolution relationship between the bone removal section and bone segment involution, and adjusting the two force lines of bone segment involution end so as to make the limb lines of force satisfactory. ResultsThe patients were followed up 9-31 months (mean, 19.1 months). Four cases achieved natural bone healing at last follow-up, bone healing was obtained in 10 cases after bone graft. At 1 week after operation, X-ray films showed angulation in the coronal plane in 10 cases (3-12°, 4.9° on average) and in the sagittal plane in 9 cases (2-12°, 3.8° on average); axial offset was observed in 6 cases (43%), which was corrected in 5 cases except 1 case. At last followup, angulation in the coronal plane was observed in 5 cases (2-4°, 2.6° on average), angulation in the sagittal plane in 6 cases (2-6°, 4.1° on average), and axial offset in 1 case (7%), which were significantly improved when compared with ones at 1 week. According to Paley evaluation criteria, the osseous results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases; the functional results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases at last follow-up. ConclusionAxial offset in the Ilizarov bone transport relatively common. By adjusting fixed bone removal of half the distance between the needle and the ring, the axial offset can be improved.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of joint distraction by Ilizarov combined with arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Between January 2014 and January 2015, 15 patients (15 knees) with KOA were treated using arthroscopic debridement assisting with the Ilizarov distraction technology. There were 7 males and 8 females, aged from 45 to 64 years (mean, 55 years). The left knee and the right knee were involved in 6 and 9 cases respectively. The disease duration was 2.0-9.5 years (median, 6 years). They all had received conservative treatment for 6 months and got poor clinical improvement. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), the range of motion (ROM) for knee, and the radiographic joint space width were 76.2±8.8, 59.3±5.7, 44.3±7.2, (75±21)°, and (2.5±0.4) mm respectively. According to Kellgren-Lawrence grade system, 11 cases were rated as grade III and 4 cases as grade IV. Results There was no poor incision healing, infection, and deep vein thrombosis. All the 15 patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15.5 months). Patients achieved pain relief. The knee activity was obviously improved. The postoperative VAS score, WOMAC score, KOOS score, and ROM at 12 months were 20.9±7.8, 38.2±5.5, 92.1±6.9, and (118±14)° respectively, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative ones (t=18.213, P=0.000; t=10.317, P=0.000; t=18.564, P=0.000; t=6.599, P=0.000). Postoperative X-ray film showed that joint space width at 12 months was (3.8±0.3) mm, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=10.070, P=0.000). Conclusion Joint distraction by Ilizarov combined with arthroscopic debridement can effectively relieve pain, improve the function and quality of life. It was beneficial to cartilaginous tissue repair and delaying the degenerative process of KOA. The short-term effectiveness is satisfactory.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique and tibiotalar or tibiocalcanean arthrodesis for one-stage treatment of ankle joints infection and bone defects. Methods Between January 2014 and April 2016, 14 patients with ankle joints infection and bone defects were treated by Ilizarov technique and tibiotalar or tibiocalcanean arthrodesis for one-stage. There were 12 males and 2 females with an average age of 39.8 years (range, 25-61 years). The causes of ankle infection included falling from height injury in 5 cases, falling injury in 4 cases, traffic accident injury in 1 case, crushing injury in 1 case, sprain injury in 1 case, and hematogenous reason in 2 cases. All the patients received surgery for 0-8 times (mean, 3.7 times) before admission. The modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score was 30.25±3.54 before operation. The disease duration was 1-30 months (mean, 10.3 months). Results All the incisions healed by first intension without recurrence of infection, and two-stage bone grafting operation did not performed. One case felt slight local pain and swell of ankle joint after weight-bearing walking more than 30 minutes, and without special treatment. All the patients had different degree skin redness and swelling of Kirschner wire pinhole for 0-3 times, and relieved after symptomatic treatment. All the patients were followed up 6-27 months (mean, 16.8 months). Except for 2 cases who did not remove the external fixator (with external fixation time of 6 months and 8 months respectively), the other patients removed the external fixator at 6-14 months (mean, 9 months) after operation, all patients recovered the walk function and without ankle pain. The modified AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score after removal of external fixator (70.92±1.0) was significantly higher than preoperative one (t=–10.992, P=0.000). Conclusion It is a simple and effective method for one-stage treatment of ankle joints infection and bone defects by Ilizarov technique and tibiotalar or tibiocalcanean arthrodesis.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique combined with soft tissue release and muscle strength balance in the treatment of spastic clubfoot in adolescents with cerebral palsy.MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical data of 29 cases (33 feet) of cerebral palsy spastic clubfoot deformity conformed to the selection criteria between June 2011 and September 2016. Among them, 17 were male (20 feet) and 12 were female (13 feet) with an age range from 13 to 28 years (mean, 17.6 years). According to Diméglio classification, 19 feet were rated as gradeⅡ and 14 feet as grade Ⅲ. All patients were treated with soft tissue release and muscle balance, while using Ilizarov technique to correct varus deformity. Began to gradually adjust the external fixator after 5-7 days of operation, until to reach satisfactory foot ankle form. Orthopedic brace was used after removal of external fixator, and the wearing time gradually reduced to completely abandon the brace.ResultsAll 29 patients (33 feet) were followed up 12-22 months with an average of 18 months. All patients restored line plantar foot without needle infection and nerve or vessel injury. One foot had a mild relapse of deformity at 6 months after removal of external fixator, and the gait restored to normal after symptomatic treatment. The rest of 32 feet had no deformity recurrence during the follow-up. At last follow-up, International Club Foot Study Group (ICFSG) score (5.21±3.91) was significantly lower than the preoperative score (36.73±4.80), and the difference was significant (t=47.227, P=0.000). The results were excellent in 27 feet, good in 3 feet, and fair in 3 feet, and the excellent and good rate was 90.91%. The patients were very satisfied in 27 feet and satisfied in 6 feet by self-evaluation of effectiveness.ConclusionIlizarov technique is effective in treatment of clubfoot. And it is also a feasible method to treat spastic clubfoot in adolescents with cerebral palsy when combined with appropriate soft tissue surgery according to the patient’s symptoms and signs.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in treatment of the clubfoot after burns.MethodsBetween March 2012 and February 2017, 12 patients (17 feet) with clubfoot after burns were treated with Ilizarov technique. There were 10 males (14 feet) and 2 females (3 feets) with an average age of 38 years (range, 18-52 years). There were 3 cases of left foot, 4 cases of right foot, and 5 cases of both feet. According to the Qin’s classification of clubfoot deformity, there were 5 feet of degreeⅠ, 9 feet of degreeⅡ, and 3 feet of degree Ⅲ.ResultsAll clubfeet were completely corrected without local skin necrosis, needle tract infection, or acroanesthesia. All patients could walk with a heavy load. Pationts were followed up from 4 months to 3 years (mean, 10 months). At last follow-up, according to the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) score, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 7 feet, good in 7 feet, and fair in 3 feet, with the excellent and good rate of 82.4%.ConclusionUsing Ilizarov technique can gradually correct the clubfoot deformity with the advantages of minimal invasion, safeness, and simpleness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness on the distal radius deformity and bone defect after trauma by using Ilizarov external fixator.MethodsThe clinical data of 9 patients of post-traumatic distal radius deformity with bone defect treated by Ilizarov technique between January 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 2 females with an average age of 25.6 years (range, 11-46 years). Of the 9 cases, 4 were radial baseball hand deformity with large bone defect, 4 were short deformity of distal radius, 1 was distal radius deformity with radial deflection and pronation deformity, all with distal dislocation of the distant radial-ulnar joint. The time from injury to operation was 6 months to 6.2 years (mean, 1.5 years). The bone defect was 1.4-6.8 cm (mean, 3.6 cm). After complete debridement, the forearm was fixed with Ilizarov external fixator. At 7 days after operation, bone transport or bone lengthening was performed at the rate of 0.8-1 mm/d, 4 times a day, the deformity was slowly corrected and the bone defect was repaired. According to the loss of palmar tilt angle and ulnar tilt angle measured before operation, the position of distal radial articular surface was gradually adjusted in the course of moving or prolonging, so as to restore palmar tilt angle and ulnar tilt angle as far as possible.ResultsAll wounds healed by first intention and no leakage or rupture occurred. All the 9 patients were followed up 15-36 months (mean, 23 months). All the radius defects healed and the distal deformity was corrected, the healing time was 92.4-138.6 days (mean, 104.7 days); the external fixation index was 32.6-51.1 days/cm (mean, 40.2 days/cm). After 2 months of external fixator removal, the wrist joint flexion was (42.6±3.1)°, the wrist dorsum extension was (48.5±4.7)°, the palm inclination angle was (11.5±1.3)°, and the ulnar deviation angle was (21.2±3.7)°; the elbow flexion was (128.2±6.4)°, the elbow extension was (3.2±2.1)°, the forearm pronation was (71.5±4.3)°, and the forearm rotation was (38.2±6.5)°; the wrist and elbow joint extension and forearm rotation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05). At last follow-up, wrist function was assessed according to Gartland-Werley standard, the results were excellent in 3 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case. Four cases had pinhole infection, and were cured after anti inflammatory dressing change or replacement of needles; 3 cases did not heal at the bone junction, and were healed after bone grafting; 4 cases deviated from the radial force line, and the deformity was corrected after adjusting the needle.ConclusionIlizarov technique can correct deformity and reconstruct bone defect of the post-traumatic distal radius simultaneously, so it is a good method to treat this kind of disease.
Objective To summarize the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in the correction of flexion contracture deformity of the knee after burn. Methods Between April 2012 and July 2017, Ilizarov technique was used to treat 14 cases (17 knees) of knee flexion contracture patients. There were 11 males (13 knees) and 3 females (4 knees), with an age of 20-48 years (mean, 37 years). The duration of scar formation was 8 months to 24 years (mean, 5 years). The scar ranged from the upper part of the thigh, down to the middle part of the leg, from both sides to the inside and outside of the popliteal fossa, without ulceration. The area after scar contracture was 12 cm×10 cm to 30 cm×22 cm. Preoperative total activity of motion (TAM) was 30-115° (mean, 69°). There were 4 cases in wheelchair, 5 cases walking with double crutches, 3 cases with limp, and 2 cases with half squat walking. According to the knee function evaluation criteria by QIN Sihe, the preoperative knee function was fair in 3 knees, poor in 5 knees, and very poor in 9 knees. Results All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean, 2 years). No local skin necrosis, needle tract infection, limb numbness, and other complications occurred. Knee flexion deformities were all corrected. The postoperative TAM was 70-145° (mean, 125°). All patients were able to walk with plantar weight-bearing, and their gait improved when compared with that before operation. Five cases could walk without a crutch and only slightly claudication after operation. At last follow-up, according to the knee function evaluation criteria, the results were excellent in 9 knees, good in 5 knees, and fair in 3 knees, all were significantly improved when compared with that before operation (Z=–3.677,P=0.000). Conclusion Ilizarov technique has the advantages of minimally invasive, safe, and easy to operate for the treatment of flexion contracture deformity of the knee after burn.
Objective To summarize the main methods and comprehensive effects of limited surgery combined with external fixation for the treatment of flail foot with sensory disorder of spina bifida sequela in adult. Method The clinical data of 22 cases (30 feet) of the adult spina bifida sequela who suffered from flail foot with sensory disorder and treated by limited surgery combined with external fixation were retrospectively analysed between January 2005 and December 2015. There were 14 males and 8 females with an age of 8-38 years (mean, 21.5 years). All 30 feet were distal ankle sensory loss, including 2 cases (2 feet) on the left side, 2 cases (2 feet) on the right side, and 18 cases (26 feet) on both sides. There was 1 foot accompanied by ulcerative plantar ulcers, and 3 feet lost their toes due to foot osteomyelitis in the weight-bearing area. Combined with 3 cases of hip dislocation, 3 cases of scoliosis, 4 cases of knee deformity, and 3 cases of ptosis. There were 5 cases of normal control of urine and stool, 10 cases of partial control of urine and stool, 6 cases of overflow urinary incontinence, and 1 case of cystostomy. According to X-ray film, the lesion of spina bifida was evaluated, the laminar insufficiency was located at L3-L5 in 8 cases, L5, S1 in 9 cases, and L3-S3 in 5 cases. In the patients, 12 feet were performed ankle joint arthrodesis, 10 feet subtalar arthrodesis, and 8 feet tibia-talus-calcaneus arthrodesis. Ilizarov external fixator was used in 18 feet, Hybrid fixator in 8 feet, Hybrid fixator and cannulate screws in 3 feet, and Ilizarov fixator and cannulate screws in 1 foot. Results All 22 patients were followed up 10-80 months (mean, 48.5 months). All ankle deformities were corrected effectively after operation, the middle and hind feet were stable, the plantar foot was restored, the whole foot was loaded, and the ulcer healed without recurrence. There were 2 cannulate screws ruptured in the subtalar arthrodesis, bone healed after screws break; no complication such as surgical infection, neurovascular injury, and so on happened. At last follow-up, based on the evaluation criteria of QIN Sihe lower limb deformity correction, the results were excellent in 15 feet, good in 9 feet, and fair in 6 feet, with an excellent and good rate of 80.0%. Conclusion The treatment of flail foot with sensory disorder of spina bifida sequela is more demanding. The limited surgeries combined with external fixation play an important role for recovering the stability of foot and ankle, better clinical results, and less complications.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique-based transverse tibial bone transport on the treatment of severe diabetic foot ulcer (Wagner grades 3 to 5) complicated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).MethodsBetween August 2014 and December 2017, 33 patients with severe diabetic foot and SIRS were treated with Ilizarov technique-based transverse tibial bone transport. There were 27 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 60.6 years (range, 34-79 years). All of them suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus. The duration of diabetes was 1-28 years (mean, 10 years) and the duration of diabetic foot was 1-12 months (mean, 2.7 months). According to Wagner classification, there were 8 cases in grade 3, 23 cases in grade 4, and 2 cases in grade 5. The wound healing condition was observed after operation, and the limb salvage rate was calculated. The changes in body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein concentration were assessed. The skin temperature of the dorsum of the foot was measured, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the improvement of foot pain.ResultsAll 33 patients were followed up 3-30 months (mean, 14.1 months). All ulcers healed and the healing time was 3-12 months (mean, 5.3 months); the limb salvage rate was 100%. Postoperative body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein concentration were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05). The skin temperature of the dorsum of the foot was (32.64±2.17)℃ at 1 month after operation, which was significantly improved when compared with preoperative value [(31.28±1.99)℃] (t=0.05, P=0.00); but there was no significant difference in skin temperature compared with healthy side [(32.46±2.10)℃] (t=2.04, P=0.41). The VAS score was 2.4±0.7 at 1 month after operation, which was significantly improved when compared with preoperative score (4.3±0.8) (t=3.10, P=0.00).ConclusionIlizarov technique-based transverse tibial bone transport is an effective way to treat severe diabetic foot complicated with SIRS. It can promote foot ulcer healing and avoid amputations.
Objective To discuss skills for the treatment of complex soft tissue problems in osteomyelitis using Ilizarov techniques. Methods The clinical data of 31 patients with complex soft tissue problems during the treatment of osteomyelitis with Ilizarov technique between January 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males and 8 females, with an age of 14-67 years (mean, 37.8 years). All the patients were post-traumatic chronic osteomyelitis, the disease duration was 12 days to 16 months (mean, 6.3 months). They went through 2-8 times surgeries (mean, 3.8 times). There were 29 cases of soft tissue insertion after bone grafting; 1 case of strephopodia and calcaneal osteomyelitis with plantar skin infection defect; 1 case of the open tibial fracture postoperative infection, the skin defect of infection was more than that of bone defect. The soft tissue defect area was 4.5 cm×4.0 cm to 16.5 cm×8.5 cm. Soft tissue depression and insertion was corrected by subcutaneous insertion of Kirschner wire after slow elastic retraction. Soft tissue defects were gradually resolved through slow traction. Results All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 11.5 months). All wounds healed by first intention, and skin graft and flap repair were not performed in the two stage. One case of strephopodia and calcaneal osteomyelitis with plantar skin infection defect was treated with slow skin traction, no secondary suture was performed; no skin ulceration was found after walking for 3 months, and the feeling was slightly lower than normal. One case of soft tissue transverse traction wound completely covered, with no bone exposure and no obvious pigmentation of local soft tissue, the feeling was slightly lower than normal, the skin elasticity was worse than normal, and the color, temperature had no obvious abnormalities. There was no severe needle eye reactions in 29 patients with skin depressions corrected by Kirschner wire. Six cases of Kirschner wire showed elastic retraction and lacerate skin; 1 case of plantar skin traction had 2 times of exudation of the needle eye and local skin reddish phenomenon; the symptoms relieved when the traction needle was changed once, the traction was stopped for 1 week, the dressing was changed and antibiotics were used once. One patient with transverse traction had 3 times of pin-eye infection, and the treatment was completed after adjusting the traction device and symptomatic treatment. Conclusion For most of the complex soft tissue problems in osteomyelitis, early and effective intervention with Ilizarov technique can be easily, economically, and effectively solved, which provides a new way for clinical treatment.