Correction of angular deformities of tibia by using Ilizarov external fixator

Angular deformities of the tibia in the frontal plane and to less extent in the sagittal plane lead to mechanical axis deviation of the lower limb and malorientation of the joints above and below the level of deformity. Accurate correction of these deformities is important for functions and to prevent joint degeneration. This work study the results of correction of theses deformities by Ilizarov external fixator. From 2006 to 2008, 25 patients with angular deformities of tibia were treated by Ilizarov external fixator, ninteen were post traumatic, three were congenital psudoarthrosis tibia and three with post ricketic deformities. Fifteen deformities were is oblique plane, while 810[0]plane and 4 in sagittal plane. The total degree of deformities was 810, with associated tibial shortening in 10 patients. The mean duration of correction of deformities was 33.4 days. Complete correction was achieved in 21 cases, percentage of correction was 99.1% percentage of lengthening was 90% functional results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 13 cases

Treatment of infected nonunion tibia by ilizarov external fixator

Nonunion of the tibia associated with infection have always been a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The ideal treatment should be comprehensive with the ability to simultaneously tackle axial deviations shortening, bone loss, poor local vascularity and achieve bony union without further compromising the soft tissue envelope. All of the above should be achieved by using Ilizarov external fixator in treatment of infected nonunion tibia by compression distraction technique. From 2005 to 2007; 25 patients with infected nonunion tibia were treated by Ilizarov external fixator. Of 25 infected nonunion tibia, 18 were diaphyseal, 7 were metaphyseal, 22 after open fractures and 3 after closed fractures, 5 nonunion with quiescent infection with no drainage, and 20 active infection with drainage, with infection developed after internal fixation in 15 cases, after external fixator in 7 cases and after casting in 3 cases. The mean duration of treatment was 12 months. The duration of follow up ranged 12 to 38 months [mean 22 months]. The mean time of union were 9 months [range 4-11 months]. Bone deformity was corrected in all patients except in 2 with residual deformity less than 5 degrees. The bone result was excellent in 18 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 1 case. The functional results were excellent in 15 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 5 cases