Abstract
The aim of the study is to evaluate how patients over 65 years of age cope with the Ilizarov method of treatment, compared with patients a decade younger.
Two age groups were selected, 50–65 years versus 65 years and over. 20 consecutive patients were recruited for each group. SF36 scores were completed pre-operatively, at 6 weeks post op and 6 weeks post frame removal. 41 patients were recruited in total.
Seven patients were lost to follow up – 2 died, 2 became too ill to continue with treatment, 3 did not complete the SF36. This left 34 patients.
T test was used to analyse the results.
Both age groups showed an equal and statistically significant drop in SF36 scores whilst the Ilizarov frame was on (p<0.01 for each group).
After frame removal, SF36 in the >65 group was not significantly different to pre-operative values.
In the younger group, SF36 after frame removal was still significantly lower than pre-operative values (p<0.01).
Age makes no difference in how patients cope with the ilizarov frame during treatment. Older patients have low pre-injury function levels, but appear to return to this level quickly after frame removal. Younger patients do not recover pre-injury function in 6 weeks after completion of treatment.
