Treatment of deformity secondary to metabolic bone disease with the Ilizarov technique.

Abstract

Eighteen limb segments in eight patients with lower limb deformities secondary to metabolic bone disease underwent correction using the Ilizarov technique. Eleven femora and seven tibiae were treated for deformities with magnitudes of 12 degrees to 58 degrees. Total treatment time averaged 12 weeks from application to removal of the fixator. With one exception, correction was performed at the rate of 0.5 mm daily in two increments. Complications were limited to several pin-tract infections and mild translational deformity in two patients. Healing index averaged approximately twice that seen in pediatric femoral lengthening and was 25% greater than for patients undergoing tibial lengthening. The lack of implants requiring removal, modularity, and reasonable treatment time make this technique an attractive alternative to conventional osteotomy for management of limb-length deformity associated with metabolic bone disease.