Total and subtotal amputation of lower limbs treated by acute shortening, revascularization and early limb lengthening with ilizarov ring fixation - a retrospective study.

We present the results of 15 patients who sustained total or subtotal traumatic amputation of the lower limbs who were treated by acute limb shortening and stabilisation with external fixator, revascularization and early lengthening with Ilizarov ring fixator. The mean age of the patients was 28 years [5-38]. There were three females and 12 males. The mean Mangled Extremity Severity Score was 8.5 [range 6-11]. The mean amount of shortening done was 6.9cm [range 3-12.5] to enable revascularization and soft tissue repair. Three cases had to be amputated early because of failure of vascular repair. In the remaining 12 patients who were followed up the mean interval between revascularization and application of Ilizarov ring fixator was 4.7 weeks [range 3-10]. The mean follow up was 6.5 years [3-16 years]. Union occurred in all patients. Ten of the 12 patients returned to work and residual shortening was present in two cases. We conclude that whenever possible lower limb salvage should be undertaken.

Ankle fusion for bone loss around the ankle joint using the Ilizarov technique.

We present the results of ankle fusion using the Ilizarov technique for bone loss around the ankle in 20 patients. All except one had sustained post-traumatic bone loss. Infection was present in 17. The mean age was 33.1 years (7 to 71). The mean size of the defect was 3.98 cm (1.5 to 12) and associated limb shortening before the index procedure varied from 1 cm to 5 cm. The mean time in the external fixator was 335 days (42 to 870). Tibiotalar fusion was performed in 19 patients and tibiocalcaneal fusion in one. Associated problems included diabetes in one patient, pelvic and urethral injury in one, visual injury in one patient and ipsilateral tibial fracture in five. At the final mean follow-up of 51.55 months (24 to 121) fusion had been achieved in 19 of 20 patients. A total of 16 patients were able to return to work. The results were graded as good in 11 patients, fair in six and poor in three. The mean external fixation index was 8.8 days/mm (0 to 30). One patient with diabetes developed severe infection which required early removal of the fixator. Refractures occurred in three patients, two of which were at the site of fusion and one at a previous tibial shaft fracture site. Equinus deformity of the ankle fusion occurred after a further fracture in one patient. There were two patients with residual forefoot equinus, and one developed late valgus at the fusion site. Poor consolidation of the regenerated bone in two patients was treated by bone grafting in one and by bone and fibular strut grafting in the other. Residual soft-tissue infection was still present in two patients.