The results of lengthening of lower extremty discrepancy by ilizarov EF

Objectives: Evaluating the patients with lower extremty discrepancy whom are treated surgically between years 1998-2010 in Çukurova University Hospital Department of Orthopaedics Clinics.Matherial and Methods: We evaluated 52 of 103 patients lengthening of lower extremity discrepancy by İlizarov EF who were treated between 1998-2010. The follow-up of the patients during the postoperation period was made with ortorontgenogram. Functional and bone outcome was considered accoring to Paley scoring system. Health quality was assesed according to SF-36 criteria.Results: There are 52 patients were studied. 23 (44,2%) were male and 29 (55,8%) were female with a mean age was 13,13 (2-49) years. The study included operations was applied on 20 femorae and 35 tibiae. The mean of lengthening measure was 5.2 (2-10) cm and the mean duration of follow-up was 31 months (12-120). The mean fixation time was 34,65 (18-72) weeks. The mean EFİ was 53,9 (24-120). Complications were assessed according to Paley?s degree. During the treatment, 50 complications occured of which 105 were minör and 21 were major complications.At the end of the treatment, in femorae 75% excellent and good results, in tibiae 82,7% excellent and good functional results and 94,3% excellent and good bone results were obtained. 90% of patients increased their activity level according to preoperative activity.Conclusion: During the limb lengthening surgery planning, the life style, functional status, expectations and associated deformities must be analyzed carefully. Because of the lower compliacation rates and advantages of distraction osteogenesis such as weight bearing, amount of the lengthening, permission the correction of concomitant deformities, ilizarov circular external fixator is one of the most effective and preferred treatment method.Key Words: Lower extremity discrepancy, Circular external fixator, İlizarov technique