Improved Ilizarov technique with limited operation for correction of talipes equinovarus / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To explore the clinical efficiency,operative methods,apparatus assembly and postoperative administration of Ilizarov technique in the correction of talipes equinovarus.[Method]From January 2003 to May 2006,32 patients were corrected with QIN Si-he's orthotics devices on the Ilizarov principle of tension-stress,which involved 15 males and 17 females,the age ranged from 10 to 25 years.Among these patients,2 were caused by peroneal nerve injury,l by tumor in the vertebral canal,5 by meningocele,11 were caused by poliomyelitis,13 by congenital talipes equino-varus.In accordance with deformities,external fixator and limitied operative methods were dertermined.The limited release of soft tissue were performed in 7 patients,limited osteotomy in 25 patients.The dynamic muscle balance operation were performed in 9 patients with imbalance of muscle strength.According to the Ilizarov technique,the fixative rods were installed.The telescopic rods on the apparatus were rotated one week after the operation,the divices had corrective function in three-dimensional directions.The deformity of talipes equinovarus,internal rotation and drooping of the forefoot were gradually corrected,and the patients could bear weight and walked on the deformed foot.The mean duration of traction were 42 days,then removed the external fixator maintained with plaster for a site time.[Result]All patients were followed up from 12 months to 37 months with an average of 17 months.There was no recurrence of the deformity and feet function was good while walking on full weight-bearing.None of the complication occurred postoperatively sush as infection in the incision,neurovascular injury and ankle dislocation.[Conclusion]With Ilizarov technique to correct talipes equinovarus is a safe,minimally invasive and effective method.Combined with limited operation Ilizarov technique can correct severe talipes equinovarus which is unattainable by traditional orthopedic surgery,and shorten the treatment period,avoid severe complications.