Objective To investigate the effectiveness of sequential plate internal fixation in the correction of Madelung deformity after ulnar osteotomy and shortening. Methods The clinical data of 13 patients with Madelung deformity admitted between September 2015 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 males and 8 females with an average age of 18.3 years ranging from 17 to 23 years. The disease duration ranged from 12 to 24 months, with an average of 17 months. Three cases had a clear history of trauma. All patients had external radial deviation deformity and limited movement of the ulnar deviation, and the ulnar impact pain was significant during ulnar deviation movement; 9 patients had limited wrist joint supination movement, and the supination movement was normal. In the first stage, ulnar osteotomy and shortening combined with external fixator were used to correct wrist deformity in 13 patients. After operation, bone transfer was performed 6 times per day, with adjustments made every 4 hours, which was 1 mm per day. After the osteotomy was in place, the ulnar plate internal fixation was performed to reconstruct the ulnar stability in the second stage. The Cooney wrist joint score was used to assess the pain, function, range of motion, flexion and extension range of motion, and grip strength of the wrist joint before operation and before the removal of internal fixator. The subjective feeling and appearance satisfaction of patients were recorded. ResultsAfter the second-stage operation, all the 13 patients were followed up 10-22 months, with an average of 15 months. The deformity of wrist joint disappeared after operation, and the flexion, extension, and ulnar deviation were basically normal. There was no complication such as ulnar impingement sign, nonunion or infection. Wrist function, pain, and range of motion were significantly improved after operation, except for 1 patient who had no significant improvement in rotation and pain. The ulnar internal fixator was removed at 10-18 months after the second-stage operation. The scores of pain, function, range of motion, flexion and extension range of motion, and grip strength in the Cooney wrist score before removal of internal fixator significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). Subjective and appearance satisfaction of patients were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case. ConclusionUlnar osteotomy and shortening with sequential plate internal fixation for correction of Madelung deformity, with mild postoperative pain, can effectively avoid bone nonunion, improve wrist joint function, and have significant effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of simultaneous treatment of traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis and defect deformity with near-arc bone transport by Ilizarov technique.MethodsBetween January 2014 and August 2020, 6 cases of traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis with defect deformities were treated by simultaneous treatment of near-arc bone transport by Ilizarov technique. The patients were all male; aged from 40 to 61 years (mean, 49.3 years). The disease duration was 2-72 months, with an average of 16.1 months. All patients were traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis, including 4 cases of falling from height, 1 case of traffic accident injury, and 1 case of crushing injury. The infection affected the talar-heel joint in 4 cases, and the talar-heel joint was fused or partially fused in 2 cases. After the external fixator was removed, the Maryland foot scoring system was used to evaluate the foot function, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot function scoring system was used to evaluate the ankle-hindfoot function, and were compared with the preoperative scores.ResultsAll patients were followed up 1.5-26.0 months, with an average of 16.3 months. All incisions healed by first intention, no recurrence of infection occurred, and no surgical intervention such as second-stage bone grafting and fusion was performed. Five cases of calcaneal osteomyelitis with defect deformity underwent one-stage osteotomy and slipped, 1 case of the original bone mass after debridement after infection of calcaneal fractures slipped directly. The bone sliding time was 28-62 days, with an average of 38.7 days; the sliding distance was 3.1-5.2 cm, with an average of 3.6 cm. In 1 patient, due to the short follow-up time, the calcaneal slip bone had not healed, the external fixator had not been removed (not involved in clinical scoring), but the foot shape, reexamination of X-ray films and with frame walking were satisfactory. The time with external fixator was 6-8 months, with an average of 6.5 months in the other 5 cases. After removing the external fixator, the foot returned to three-point weight-bearing, and the longitudinal arch was recovered to varying degrees, and there was no obvious varus valgus. The Maryland score after removal of the external fixator was 80.8±4.7, which was significantly higher than that before operation (33.6±4.3) (t=–35.782, P=0.000), 3 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good; the median AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 84, the interquartile range was (79, 86), which was significantly improved when compared with the preoperative score [the median score was 33.5, the interquartile range was (21.3, 37.5)] (Z=–2.023, P=0.043), 4 cases were excellent and 1 case was good. Among them, pain, walking distance, getting rid of walking aids, going up and down stairs, deformity, etc. were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones. Mobility such as subtalar and hock joints were poor or disappeared.ConclusionSimultaneous treatment of traumatic calcaneal osteomyelitis and defect deformity with near-arc bone transport by Ilizarov technique can optimize the operation method, reduce the number of operations, and try to simulate the original shape of the calcaneus. It is an effective, economical, and novel treatment method.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of applying a standardized rehabilitation process in correction of adult clubfoot with the Ilizarov technique. Methods Thirty-eight adult patients who underwent orthopedic treatment with Ilizarov technique for clubfoot between August 2022 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a study group and a control group with 19 cases in each group according to the different rehabilitation management processes and methods. The differences in baseline data such as gender, age, side, and preoperative Holden walking function grading between the two groups were not significant (P>0.05). In both groups, most of the clubfoot deformities were surgically corrected first, and the residual deformities were corrected by dynamic slow retraction with Ilizarov ring-type external fixation frame. The study group adopted standardized rehabilitation process management mode, including preoperative lower limb muscle strength training, postoperative pain and swelling management, weight-bearing management, gait and lower limb stability training. The control group adopted the conventional postoperative rehabilitation management mode. The occurrence of complications was recorded, including pin tract infection, ankle stiffness and pain, and deformity recurrence. Holden walking function grading was used to evaluate the walking ability of the patients. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the QIN Sihe Deformity Correction Disability Repair and Functional Reconstruction Postoperative Efficacy Evaluation Scale. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by Likert score. Results Patients in both groups successfully completed surgery and rehabilitation and were followed up. The follow-up time ranged from 8 to 29 months, with a mean of 18.5 months. Among them, the follow-up time was (18.8±5.5) months in the study group and (18.2±5.7) months in the control group, and the difference between groups was not significant (t=0.316, P=0.754). The postoperative incidences of pin tract infection, ankle stiffness and pain, and deformity recurrence in the study group were 10.53%, 5.26%, and 5.26%, respectively, and in the control group were 21.05%, 36.84%, and 15.79%, respectively. And the difference between groups in the incidence of ankle stiffness and pain was significant (P=0.042). At last follow-up, both groups showed an improvement in Holden walking function grading compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05), and the grading of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P=0.006). According to the QIN Sihe Deformity Correction Disability Repair and Functional Reconstruction Postoperative Efficacy Evaluation Scale, the grade difference between groups was not significant (P=0.089), and the excellent and good rates of clinical efficacy in study group and control group were 89.47% (17/19) and 73.68% (14/19), respectively. Patient satisfaction in study group was significantly better than that in control group (P=0.036). Conclusion Standardized rehabilitation process can effectively promote the postoperative functional recovery of adult clubfoot treated with Ilizarov technique, reduce the risk of complications and improve effectiveness.
Objective To report the clinical experience of using Ilizarov wrist joint distraction technique in the treatment of a case of rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist. Methods In January 2019, a 49-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis of the left wrist, complicated by ulnar impaction syndrome, was admitted for treatment. Preoperatively, the active range of motion of the left wrist was as follows: extension 0°-flexion 0°, pronation 65°-supination 35°, and grip strength of 4.0 kg. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 9, and the Cooney wrist function score was 15, indicating poor function. As conservative treatment failed to achieve symptom relief, Ilizarov wrist joint distraction surgery was performed. Postoperatively, joint distraction was applied at 2 mm increments on postoperative days 2 and 7, in 4 separate sessions. Results Postoperative X-ray film examination at 7 days revealed a distraction of 3.6 mm in the affected wrist joint compared to the contralateral side. The external fixator was removed 2.5 months postoperatively. At 22 months postoperatively, X-ray film and MRI examinations revealed that the joint space of the left wrist had returned to near-normal, with significant reduction in joint effusion and synovial proliferation. The active range of motion of the left wrist improved to extension 15°- flexion 30°, pronation 90°-supination 90°, with a grip strength of 18.0 kg. The wrist pain VAS score decreased to 0, and the Cooney wrist function score improved to 90, indicating excellent function. At 50 months postoperatively, follow-up X-ray film, MRI, and functional assessments showed the results similar to those at 22 months. Conclusion Ilizarov wrist joint distraction may be a viable treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist.
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 provide a comprehensive summary of the technological evolution, clinical protocols, mechanisms of action, and current research progress of tibial transverse transport (TTT), with the goal of facilitating its standardized application in clinical practice. Methods A systematic review of both domestic and international literature on TTT for the treatment of diabetic foot was conducted. The analysis encompassed technical developments, surgical protocols, combination therapies, regenerative mechanisms, and clinical outcomes. Results Diabetic foot is one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus. Conventional treatments show limited efficacy in patients with advanced stages, such as Wagner grade 3/4 or Texas grade C and above. TTT, an evolution of the Ilizarov technique, promotes tissue regeneration through the “tension-stress principle”. The procedure for the treatment of diabetic foot has evolved from an open large cortical window (120 mm×20 mm) to a minimally invasive small window (50 mm×15 mm), with incision length reduced to 10 mm and simplified external fixators. A dual-incision technique (10 mm apart) is now applied at 5 cm distal to the tibial tuberosity. Bone transport typically begins 3-5 days postoperatively at a rate of 1 mm/day, incorporating the “accordion technique” (2 weeks distraction+3 days stabilization+reverse transport). Multicenter studies report a limb salvage rate of 96.1%, wound healing rate of 96.3%, and amputation rate of less than 5%. Combining TTT with vascular reconstruction and antibiotic-loaded bone cement further enhances outcomes. There are also a series of studies on the mechanism of TTT in treating diabetic foot. TTT has been shown to activate the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-vascular endothelial growth factor/stromal cell-derived factor 1 (HIF-1α-VEGF/SDF-1) signaling pathway to facilitate microcirculatory reconstruction; mobilize immune cells and rebalance macrophage polarization, thereby improving the inflammatory microenvironment; recruit stem cells via chemotaxis to accelerate re-epithelialization; and promote the release of regenerative small extracellular vesicles. Conclusion TTT demonstrates promising clinical potential in the treatment of diabetic foot, particularly in improving limb perfusion and promoting tissue repair. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Further in-depth investigations are required. In addition, the current lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials highlights the urgent need for rigorously designed randomized controlled trial to validate the efficacy and safety of this technique.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of modified Ilizarov semi-ring external fixator combined with an ulnar osteotomy lengthening in the treatment of old dislocation of the radial head in children.
MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the data of 14 patients with old dislocation of the radial head treated by the modified Ilizarov semi-ring external fixator combined with ulnar osteotomy lengthening between March 2012 and January 2015. The age ranged from 2 to 13 years (mean, 7.2 years), including 12 boys and 2 girls. There was 1 case of congential dislocation of the radial head and 13 cases of old Monteggia fracture. According to the Bado's classification, dislocation was rated as grade Ⅰ in 12 cases and grade Ⅲ in 2 cases. The elbow flexion-extension and forearm pronation and supination were compared between at pre- and post-operation; Mackay evaluation standard of elbow joint function was used to evaluate the effectiveness.
ResultsThe operation time ranged from 50 to 65 minutes (mean, 58 minutes). All patients were followed up 6-33 months (mean, 21 months). No complication of infection, myositis ossificans, or redislocation occurred. X-ray film showed bony healing at ulnar osteotomy site within 82-114 days (mean, 90 days). The elbow flexion-extension and forearm pronation and supination were significantly improved at postoperation when compared with preoperation (P<0.05). The results of Mackay function assessment were excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases.
ConclusionThe modified Ilizarov semi-ring external fixator combined with an ulnar osteotomy lengthening has the advantages of small incision, easy removal of fixator, satisfactory reduction, and no nonunion at ulnar osteotomy site in the treatment of old dislocation of the radial head, but the long-term effectiveness still needs to be followed up.
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 evaluate the treatment results of Ilizarov microcirculation reconstruction technique for chronic wounds in the post-traumatic ischemia limbs.MethodsBetween January 2016 and July 2019, 7 cases of chronic wounds in the post-traumatic ischemia limbs were treated. There were 5 males and 2 females, with an average age of 42.4 years (range, 29-66 years). The duration of the wound ranged from 1 month to 2 years (mean, 7.7 months). The wounds located in the leg (3 cases) or in the foot and ankle (4 cases). The wound sizes ranged from 4.0 cm×2.2 cm to 12.0 cm×7.1 cm. There were 1 case of tibial varus, 3 cases of equinovarus, 1 case of scleroderma, and 2 cases of Volkmann’s ischemic contracture. After debridement, external fixators were used for tibial transverse transport, or correction of tibial varus and correction of equinovarus.ResultsAll patients were followed up 8-20 months, with an average of 13 months. The infection of wound surface was all controlled in 7 cases and the granulation tissue grew well; the wound surface healed directly in 5 cases and healed after skin grafting in 2 cases, and the wound healing time was 1-3 months (mean, 1.7 months). During the follow-up, there was no recurrence of the wound. Six cases of limb deformity were corrected.ConclusionFor the chronic wounds in the post-traumatic ischemia limbs, Ilizarov microcirculation reconstruction technique can effectively improve local circulation and facilitate the fresh granule growth and wound healing.
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.
