Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the results and complications of Ilizarov bone transport method for the treatment of long bones defects. Methods: Between 1990 and 2001 the Ilizarov intercalary bone transport method was applied to treat 44 patients with segmental bone loss of the femur and tibial. The series comprised 30 males and 14 females with an average age of 33 years (range 17–68 years). Two different types of treatment were used: Ç monofocal È technique, for small bone defects up to 4 cm and Ç bifocal È technique, for large bone defects (4–20 cm). The mean bone defect was 10 cm (range 3–18cm), while mean external þxation time was 8.6 months (range 3–24 months). The mean consolidation index of the distraction gap was 23 days/cm (range 18–27 d/cm). Mean follow up period after frame removal was 4 years (range 1–11 years). Results: The bone results were rated as excellent in 33 patients (74%), good in 6 (13%) and poor in 1 (2%). The functional results were rated as excellent in 7 patients (16%), good in 29 (66%), fair in 5 (11%), and poor in 3 (7%). Pin tract infection was the most common complication. The late complications included axial deformities, re-fractures and joint stiffness. Conclusions: The Ilizarov method is still an effective technique for bone defects treatment; the main disadvantage is the prolonged external þxation time.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
