Abstract
Our clinical experience in treating lower limb deformities by external fixation started in 1982 by applying an Ilizarov external fixation frame. Correcting lower limb deformity by gaining the proper length and the optimal mechanical performance is of the outmost importance and essential for valid restoration of the articular function. We treated 145 patients: 25 patients affected by post-traumatic deformities; 12 patients affected by axial deviation of the knee; 82 patients affected by limb shortening and associated limb deformities; eight patients with lower limb deformities and shortening following pathological hip alterations; and 18 patients affected by severe foot deformities.
It is important to stress that in congenital lower limb deformities both axial deviation and limb shortening contribute to the final picture of the deformity. Combined (hybrid) external fixation provides an adequate correction of the mechanical axis and a proper lengthening of the shorter limb by a corticotomy followed by a gradual distraction.
