Illizarov Surgery - A Complete Guide to Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction
What is Illizarov Surgery
Ilizarov surgery is considered as the greatest development in the procedures of orthopaedics. It was invented by Russian orthopedic surgeon Gavriil Abrahamovich Illizarov in the 1950's, to fix a bone fracture in war injured veterans.
Over time, the procedure has developed into a solution for a variety of difficult bone problems, such as, deformities, discrepancies, and limb lengthening.
The surgery is unique due to the external fixator which is metal based. The fixator serves to slowly correct the position and length of a bone. In this guide, we will discuss what Illizarov surgery & how does it work, what conditions it treats, along with the recovery, risks, and benefits associated with it, so read the full article for deep understanding.
What is Illizarov Surgery
The Illizarov method makes use of Distraction Osteogenesis. Distraction osteogenesis occurs when the bone is slowly separated after the bone has been cut which allows the body to fill this gap with new bone. Thus, the bone is not only lengthened, as well as the muscles as the nutritional blood vessels, and nerves.
At the core of this procedure is the external fixator. The external fixator is a circular metal frame secured to the limb with wires and rods. After the bone is surgically cut (Osteotomy), the frame is adjusted gradually to pull the two bone ends apart, generally at a rate of 1 millimeter per day, allowing the body to naturally grow bone in the void created.
This slow process makes the surgery very effective, especially for complex bone conditions.
Conditions Treated with Illizzarov Surgery
Illizarov surgery can treat many orthopedic conditions, including both medical and cosmetic cases. Here are some common examples of cases where the surgery is used:
Leg length discrepancy:
Lots of peoples may have one leg shorter than the other leg. Sometimes this is a condition by birth, or it can be due to growth plate injuries, or trauma. These small discrepancies can cause serious issues such as pain, hip issues, and poor posture over time. The Ilizarov surgery and equalize the leg lengths by slowly increasing the length of the shorter bone.
Bone Deformity:
There are many patients with deformed bone structure, such as a slight bend, malformed by birth, or due to the effect of an accident. The Illizarov frame can help with straightening the bone as well to bring the bone to its accurate position and shape.
Short stature and cosmetic limb lengthening:
There are many who have the procedure done simply to add inches to their height. This process is controversial for many reasons, and generally comes with ethical issues; in the past, it was mostly done in individuals with dwarfism; but people are now doing it simply for aesthetics and to increase their self-esteem.
The Surgical and the Recovery Process: What to Expect
The Illizarov process - start to finish - is not easy. It takes strong commitment, preparation, patience, and mentorship. Here we present an outline of what the journey looks like during Illizarov Surgery:
1. Pre-Surgical Phase
- A thorough evaluation is done along with X-rays and necessary scans.
- A discussion is done with goals and frame configuration planning.
- The doctor guides the patient on what to eat and not to eat before the procedure.
- Expectations are set as to what is achievable.
2. Surgical Procedure
- The procedure is performed with epidural anesthesia by specialists
- The bone is cut during an osteotomy.
- The Illizarov fixator is placed around the leg and wires and pins are placed to hold it on.
- The patient will be monitored under special care for a few days to ensure there are no complications.
3. Distraction Phase
- This generally begins one week after the surgery.
- The patient adjusts the frame 4 times a day to lengthen the bone or change the position depending on the purpose.
- Regular physiotherapy is done to avoid muscle stiffness or mobility issues.
4. Consolidation Phase
- Once the expected correction is done, the adjustments stop, and the bone is allowed to harden.
- This phase can take several months to over a year.
The patient must take responsibility for their recovery and stay motivated and consistent during the whole rehabilitation process.
Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives Associated with Illizarov Surgery
Like any other surgical procedures, the Illizarov method also has some expected benefits and risks. Knowing both as clearly as possible will allow a patient to make an informed choice.
Benefits:
- New Bone Formation:The process is able to distract or shift your bones, thus mimicking the body’s ability to form new bone. n
- Internally Less Invasive: Unlike internal procedures that require an intramedullary nail, Illizarov frames are only external. Hence, this process does not disturb the bone marrow or other internal elements.
- Mobility:Patience can sometimes walk during the healing process, which aids in bone growth.
Risks and complications:
- Pin Site Infections: This is the most common complication with the Ilizarov technique due to numerous wires going through the limb.
- Joint Stiffness: This is very common for patients with the external fixator. Physiotherapy can help reduce this.
- Discomfort: As the frame can stay on for months or over a year, it starts to create discomfort in patients due to its shape and weight.
- Scarring:Even after the frame is removed, the scars from the pin sites remain on the patient's limbs for a long time.
Alternatives to Ilizarov Surgery:
- Internal lengthening nails:There are now modern tools available, such as the precice, or Stryde nail, that are placed only internally without any external nails, that helps reduce scarring as well as potential infection.
- Traditional Corrective Surgery:It is done with rods, plates, screws, teritorially correct relatively simple deformities.
At last, the decision will depend on the complexity of the patient, the precise objectives of the intervention, and overall patient health.
Conclusion
The manner in which this surgery works with the body's extraordinary capabilities to regenerate itself through bone regeneration and change in molecular deformity is exceptional in the field of orthopedic medicine and can resolve numerous issues.
While the length of time involved and the amount of attention required is great, the upside is life altering. The procedure ultimately can help restore mobility, alignment, as well as raise a person's self-esteem and confidence.
If you are considering limb lengthening or a corrective procedure, you can make an appointment with Height Increase Info.