Application of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus
10.3760/cma.j.cn114453-20220531-00169
- VernacularTitle:应用Ilizarov技术治疗创伤后下肢短缩伴马蹄内翻足
- Author:
Mingliang XU
1
;
Guoliang CHEN
;
Changhong DONG
;
Aimin PENG
;
Rongjian SHI
;
Yilihamu YILIZATI·
Author Information
1. 徐州仁慈医院骨科，徐州 221004
- Keywords:
Ilizarov technique;
Shortening of the lower extremity;
Talipes equinovarus;
Trauma
- From:
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery
2023;39(3):285-292
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effect of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus.Methods:Clinical data of patients with post-traumatic lower extremity shortening and talipes equinovarus treated by the Ilizarov technique in the Department of Orthopaedics of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from January 2013 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The annular external fixator was installed on the affected limb according to the Ilizarov principle of external fixation. 3 days after the operation, the internal and lateral screw rods were adjusted at the speed of 2 mm/d to gradually correct the talipes equinovarus. 7 days after surgery, the lower leg was lengthened at a speed of 1 mm/d. After the foot was corrected, the foot external fixator was continued to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks, and then the fixator was removed and the foot was immobilized with a brace for 6 to 8 weeks. The lower leg fixator was removed after the lower extremity length was restored and the bone mineralization at the extension site was good. The length of both lower extremities, angle of talonavicular joint, angle of plantar flexion and dorsal extension of the ankle, and range of motion of ankle were compared before surgery and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the affected feet were scored and rated using the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system, which was divided into four grades: excellent, good, medium, and poor. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and each measurement index and ICFSG score were expressed in Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used to compare the preoperative and last follow-up data, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 31 patients were enrolled, including 17 males and 14 females. The age was 15-18 years old, with an average of 16.5 years old. There were 16 cases on the right side and 15 cases on the left side. The lower extremity shortening was 45-75 mm, with an average of 65 mm. The fixation time of the external fixator was 4.5-6 months after surgery, with an average of 5 months, and the follow-up time was 22-28 months, with an average of 25.5 months. The length of the affected lower extremity recovered, the shape was basically satisfactory, and the plantar gait was restored. At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative period, the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle of the foot (23.0°±2.1° vs. 8.5°±2.6°), from lateral talocalcaneal angle the foot (27.0°±4.3° vs. 11.2°±4.4°), ankle plantar flexion angle (24.5°±6.8° vs. 51.1°±6.5°), ankle dorsiflexion angle (5.8°±3.5° vs. -46.8°±7.0°) and ankle range of motion (30.3°±8.2° vs. 4.2°±1.6°) were statistically significant ( P <0.01). ICFSG score: The points at the last follow-up (8.0 ± 4.2) were significantly lower than that before the operation (41.9 ± 5.3) ( P<0.01), of which 18 were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were medium. Two cases had recurrent deformities in the later stage, and the results were satisfactory after the fusion of the talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint and the anteposition of the posterior tibial tendon in the second stage. There were 4 cases of toe contracture deformity, which did not recur after the release of the flexor digitorum longus tendon at the toe. Anterior ankle impingement was observed in 5 cases and improved after the arthroscopic osteophyte removal. After the lower extremity extension was in place, the external fixator was replaced by the intramedullary nail for walking in 6 patients. The infection of the nail path occurred in 7 cases, which improved after replacement of fixing pins and dressing change of the nail path. Conclusion:The application of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus has the advantages of small trauma and dynamic control of deformity correction, which can achieve good result.
