Ilizarov technique in correction of complex foot deformities

ABSTRACT

Fifteen feet in 15 patients with complex foot deformities were treated using Ilizarov technique. Simultaneous ipsilateral tibial lengthening was performed to correct shortening in 5 limbs. There were 11 male and 4 female patients. The ages of the patients averaged 14 years [range, 6 to 29 years]. The preoperative diagnosis included relapsed [4 feet], neglected [6 feet] idiopathic club foot, old poliomyelitis with equinocavus in 3 feet, and post-traumatic equinus deformity in 2 feet. After an average follow-up period of 28 months, the overall results were excellent and good in 12 feet [80%] and fair in 3 feet [20%]. Postoperative complications recorded in this study were pin track infection in 10 feet, toe flexion deformities in 5 feet and persistent adduction deformity of the forefoot in 3 feet. Ilizarov technique is a minimally invasive and safe technique for correction of complex foot deformities. This technique is able to solve problems previously more difficult or less safe with conventional technique. Advantages also exist over open technique since bone lengthening is possible with Ilizarov technique and the size of the foot is maintained