Introduction

Abstract

There are still various kinds of limb deformities and disabilities in twenty-first century, including congenital deformities and acquired deformities secondary by such as polio sequelae and cerebral palsy sequelae, traumatic sequelae, and others, which manifest different spectrum in different countries and regions.

Nowadays, deformity correction and limb reconstruction in the orthopedic community is typically associated with hip and knee joint replacement. In this book, the focus of the deformity section is different and is primarily on osteotomy for realignment, fixation using external fixation or with it. With the development of external fixation as the most effective tool for implementing external stress control, not only in physical examination, operative plan, apparatus preparation preoperatively, but also in postoperative management, surgical indication is further expanded. Ilizarov technology with simple and mini-invasive characteristic plays an important role in treatment of different diseases mentioned above. In the process of application of Ilizarov technique in China, it has been modified and improved by Dr. Sihe Qin.

Why there are so many complicated lower limb deformities and diseases?

Why can distraction osteogenesis cure so complex lower limb deformity?

Limb reconstruction requires imitating and driving the nature force. By understanding Darwin’s theory of evolution, all the complex life phenomena and medical practice become simple and clear.

Stress control is the basis for deformity correction and limb reconstruction.

“Orthopedics Evolution” and “Natural Reconstruction” were proposed by Dr. Qin based on his 40 years orthopedics experience, whose inspiration from Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection, Newton’s laws of mechanics, Einstein’s relativity theory, Qian Xuesen’s system cybernetics, regenerative medicine, information science, and so on. This improves our rational use of technology and provides a “universal coordinate” for the scientific thinking of doctors. Since Darwin, we know who we are and where we come from. These concept attempts to integrate the basic realization of Wolff’s law, tension-stress, the overall dialectical view of traditional Chinese medicine, the natural unity of medical law, and the medical technology and humanities.

In clinical practice, minimally invasive surgery means achieving best outcome with minimal invasion and physiological interference, requiring young doctors to improve surgical skills and artistic appreciation, can enhance the confidence and raise pleasure of doctors, and reduces dependence on high-tech device and equipment. Orthopedic surgery, applied same time with external fixation, can reduce surgical trauma and pain, light the internal environment disturbance, shorten treatment period and gain maximum functional improvement.

This chapter, as you have seen, a new and colorful world for deformity correction and limb reconstruction with Chinese characteristic will unfold before your eyes.