It is an accepted fact that Ilizarov frames are difficult to live with. Professionals advise patients that things get easier over time, but, there is little evidence to support this. This study examined the course of patient's self-reported anxiety and depression during treatment with an Ilizarov frame. Over 12 months, 66 trauma and elective patients were prospectively recruited to the study. Patients completed validated questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) at set time points through their treatment ranging from before the frame was fitted through to after it was removed.Background
Method
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.
