Abstract
The Ilizarov technique has been used to treat severe limb length discrepancy and short stature. However, complications of this treatment are frequent. Between 1984 and 2001, 57 patients (94 tibias) had an Ilizarov procedure for limb lengthening. Twenty patients had limb discrepancy and 37 had short stature. Their mean age was 20.2 years (range 15–34). The average limb lengthening was 8.37 cm (range 3.2–14.7), which was equivalent to 26% (range 9.2–60%) average tibial lengthening. A total of 90 complications were observed. Thirty-three unplanned procedures were required during the lengthening programme. Two patients stopped the lengthening programme. There was no difference in the complications in leg lengthening using Ilizarov technique between the group of patients with leg length discrepancy and the group with short stature. A good knowledge of the Ilizarov technique is necessary to perform a lengthening programme with a low rate of complications.
Résumé
La technique d’Ilizarov a été utilisée pour traiter d’importantes inégalités de longueur et pour allonger des sujets de petites tailles. Les complications de ce traitement sont fréquentes. De 1984 à 2001, 57 patients (94 tibias) ont bénéficié d’un allongement des membres inférieurs au niveau de la jambe par la technique d’Ilizarov. Vingt patients avaient une inégalité de longueur et 37 une petite taille. L’âge moyen était de 20.2 ans (de 15 à 34). L’allongement moyen a été de 8.37 cm (3.2 à 14.7), c’est-à-dire de 26% de la longueur de l’os (9.2 à 60%). Quatre-vingts dix complications ont été observées. Trente-trois interventions non prévues dans le plan de traitement ont dû être réalisées, pendant le programme d’allongement. Deux patients ont arrêté leur programme d’allongement. Les auteurs n’ont pas observé de différence dans le taux de complication entre le groupe des patients qui ont bénéficié d’un allongement selon la technique d’Ilizarov pour inégalités de longueur ou pour petites tailles. Il est nécessaire, pour tous les auteurs, de bien connaître la technique d’Ilizarov si l’on veut réaliser un programme d’allongement avec un taux de complications relativement bas.
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Vargas Barreto, B., Caton, J., Merabet, Z. et al. Complications of Ilizarov leg lengthening: a comparative study between patients with leg length discrepancy and short stature. International Orthopaedics (SICO 31, 587–591 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0236-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0236-2