Orthopaedic Clinics Europe

The Ilizarov’s surgical method for limb lengthening was developed by a Russian orthopedic surgeon, Gavriil Ilizarov and was first successfully applied in World War 2 and since has been in surgical practice, till today. It is an external only methodology for bone lengthening, whereby the bone is affixed with thin wires and hoops; with an external fixator or Ilizarov’s device. Although Ilizarov’s surgical methodology seems quite direct and simple, the result may sometimes be quite frustrating, if not performed by competent hands, thereafter, and the surgical method is not applied as per the expectations of the patients. It is important to note that were during the surgery or the post-op treatment, the medical team does not strictly comply with the principles laid down in Ilizarov’s methodology, and complications can arise, leading to gloomy outcomes for both, the patients and the medical teams involved. Regular care and maintenance of the device, its wires & screw; is crucial with this methodology, from the very beginning. As per the recommendations of the medical practitioner’s guidance patients must strictly care and sterilize the devices, its wires, and screws, daily; with 70% Pure Alcohol or a 10% Betadine solution, with sterile gauze. If the patient notices any indication of infections, such as redness, swelling and/or wound growth, around the device or its extensions, that they should immediately seek medical help from the surgical team who performed the surgery. The biggest problem with this method, apart from the strenuous daily regular care, is the chances of an infection, especially where sterilization is nor carried out daily; since the wounds are open and affixed with wires; the chances of infections increase. The problem is that if an infection does happen, during the lengthening phase; the infections become a priority; thus the lengthening process is halted till the time the infection subsides. 

The “Holy-Fix” Methodology – This is a fully external methodology for Limb or Leg Lengthening; whereby rod-alike external metal fixators are attached to each of the legs of the patients by means of pins affixed from the outside of the operated bones. During the lengthening stage, patients are required to turn screws on the device, simultaneously on both the treated legs, to achieve their daily distraction of 1mm per day. Currently, this is the most economical methodology practiced around the world; with the only disadvantage that the patients are stuck with the devices for a period between 9 to 12 months; meaning that they have to walk, sleep and live their daily lives with the devices attached to their treated legs. The biggest problem with this methodology is that that the devices cannot be removed in the consolidation and strengthening stages, or until the bones fully return to their pre-surgery density and integrity and are able to fully bear the patients weight. This consolidation period is obviously very long and uncomfortable for the patients and usually tends to test the patience of many patients and may cause them stress at the same time.