1. What is ilizarov?
Ilizarov is the name of the technique which has a great number of applications in Orthopaedic surgery.It named after the great Russian inventor Prof.G. A. Ilizarov. It is most famous for limb lengthening. For the Wikipedia article, click here.
2.What is Limb Lengthening?
Limb Lengthening is a method of surgery for increasing the length of the limb.Not only is the bone increased in length but also muscles, nerves, blood vessels and all other tissues are elongated.
3.Can the shape of legs be corrected at the same time with lengthening?
In most instances altering the shape would not help improve function in any way at all.However it is indeed possible to widen the limb.This is done as a surgical procedure for Buerger's Disease and may also be done for improving the contour of the limb if needed.
4.If any part of the bone has been lost in an accident, can it be regrown?
Yes, it can be regrown. The time taken to regrow the bone depends on the extent of bone loss.
5.How long does a 6-8cm lengthening take and how is it done?
6-8cm elongation takes approximately 8-9 months.It is done through the tibias(lower legs).Lengthening(distraction) stage starts in 5-7 days after the operation and lasts for 2.5 - 3 months.The rate of lengthening is 1mm per day .After this there is a consolidation stage which takes double the time of the distraction period. Patients are active during the whole period of treatment; they walk and do physical exercises.
6.How long does a 12-15 cm lengthening take and how is it done?
12-15 cm lengthening is done in two stages :tibias are lengthened to 8-9 cm at one stage and then femurs are lenghtened, OR one femur and the opposite tibia is done in the first stage and vice versa in the second stage.
7.Can infected bones be healed?
Bone infection could be acquired or post-surgical .In both situations, the infected bone is removed and fresh bone is regrown into the gap using the same limb lengthening principles.
8.Can Ilizarov Technique be used in fresh trauma?
Where internal fixation procedures cannot be used due to the compound nature of the injury, this Technique is used as a definitive procedure using a stable rigid external fixation in place of unilateral external fixation devices.
9.How reliable is the method?
The treatment result depends on the experience of a doctor. Dr.Prasad has more than a decade of experience with the Ilizarov method. All our final results are positive.
10.What are the possible complications?
The risks involved in Ilizarov method are similar to those of other Orthopaedic surgeries.In addition, it carries risk of pin tract infection and decreased range of motion in the knees. These complications are temporary and do not influence the final result of treatment.
11.When do patients start walking?
Our patients start walking with crutches once the surgical pain subsides,which usually takes a day or two.
12.Can I go in for sports after such an operation?
Function of muscles and joints returns back to normal completely at the end of rehabilitation period.Usual bone forms, which is able to stand all static and dynamic stress. After such an operation you will preserve your physical condition and will be able to go in for sports.
13.Are there any contraindications for the treatment?
The contraindications are the same as those of other Orthopaedic surgeries.
14.Is application of Ilizarov method painful?
There may be moderate pain during the lengthening (distraction) period, but most patients can tolerate it rather well. The causes of pain are usually related to the pin insertion and tensioning techniques. With diligent Post-operative care, especially relating to tensioning of the pins and the apparatus, pain is kept to an absolute minimum .Most of our patients are able to walk quite well, travel on two wheelers as well as attend work.
15.Do scars remain after the treatment?
The Ilizarov method is a low invasive method .After treatment there are small skin scars(1-1.5cm),which can be easily removed by a plastic surgeon if a patient wishes so.