The Ilizarov Technique

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The Ilizarov Apparatus

The Ilizarov Apparatus is a set of external fixators comprising rings, rods and Kirschner's wires. It is different from the conventional external fixators in that it encases the limb as a cylinder-the limb itself being shaped like one and it uses wires instead of pins to fix the bone to the rings.

The Ilizarov Method of Treatment

The Ilizarov Method uses Ilizarov's Principle of DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS (osteo=bone, genesis=formation). This refers to the induction of new bone between bone surfaces that are pulled apart in a gradual, controlled manner. The distraction initially gives rise to NEOVASCULARISATION (Neo=new, vascular=relating to blood), which is what actually stimulates new bone formation. In addition, there is simultaneous histogenesis (histo=tissue) of muscles, nerves and skin; in bone diseases (osteomyelitis, fibrous dysplasia, pseudo-arthrosis) this new bone replaces pathological bone with normal bone. This is a revolutionary concept; diseases for which earlier there was no treatment are now successfully treated using the Ilizarov Method.

Indications for use

Before

After

Bone infections
Poliomyelitis Sequelae (limb lengthening and correction of deformities)
Treatment of non-unions and malunited fractures

Before

After

Correction of deformities, both congenital & acquired, of the limbs

Absence of Radius

Absence of Femur

Badly comminuted fractures (multiple fragments) in the limbs, even with skin loss.

Badly comminuted fracture

Open injury

Lengthening of foot stumps, limb stumps and fingers (Amputation/foot formation)

Height Increase (for dwarfs)

The Advantages

No skin incision is made as in a conventional operation. Incidents of haemorrhage, tissue trauma and infection are much fewer.
The whole procedure is minimally invasive as only wires fix the bones to the rings and there is very little soft tissue damage.
The Ilizarov fixator is very versatile; the cylindrical shape of the fixator allows deformities to be corrected simultaneously in 3 dimensions.
The patient remains mobile throughout the course of the treatment. Intensive physiotherapy is instituted early; as a consequence, problems of joint stiffness and contractures are rare. Further, the patient's stay in the hospital is considerably reduced.

The Procedure

Called TRANSOSSEOUS OSTEOSYNTHESIS (trans=across). Wires of 1.5 mm diameter are passed percutaneously (through the skin) through bones by means of a drill. The protruding ends of these wires are then fixed to rings with special "wire-fixation" bolts. These rings in turn are connected and fixed to one another by threaded rods. Once it is fixed, the Ilizarov frame affords a stable support to the affected limb. A CORTICOTOMY is then performed; it is an osteotomy (cutting the bone) where the periosteum of the bone is preserved. Adjustments in the rods produce compression or distraction as desired between the bone ends, and simultaneously, deformities are also corrected. The ring fixator is removed at the end of the treatment.

The Man

PROF. GABRIEL ABRAMOVITCH ILIZAROV started working with conventional external fixators towards the end of World War II. He devised his own, improved cylindrical fixator in 1951, and in 1954 published his first article on Transosseous Osteosynthesis. It was met with a lot of scepticism initially, but gradually people began to recognise the truth in his teachings. By the late 60s, Ilizarov had won acclaim and recognition in the USSR, and in 1971 the Soviet government built him a hospital-cum-research centre (called the Ilizarov Institute) in Kurgan, Siberia, where he continued to work till his demise. The Ilizarov Operation was introduced for the first time to the western world in 1984 in Italy when Ilizarov delivered 3 lectures, on non-unions, osteomyelitis and limb lengthening.

Dr. S. P. Chakrabarty
MBBS, PhD (Orth) TGMA, Tver, Russia

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What Clients Say

The Authorities at the hospital were very accommodating with all the assistance required in order to fulfil the procedure successfully. We felt we were looked after carefully and very well by the doctors, nurses and there assistance.

We would definitely keep in touch and hope such wonderful memories are cherished even of the cause was not good.

Good Wishes to everyone.

Jessieca

A couple of years back when my uncle Dr D K Tandon was diagnosed with Dementia, we were looking for a decent place where he can be taken care of. We chanced upon Vardaan Senior Citizen centre. I spoke to Dr Rekha Khandelwal and found her to be quite empathetic & considerate in her approach. My uncle is staying in Vardaan for last couple of years and we are grateful to Dr Rekha and her staff for taking care of my uncle.

Shantanu Tandon

My mother, Manorama Devi, was a patient of Parkinson’s disease and paralysis. We were managing her at home but due to complications of the illness and lack of trained caregivers I had to shift her to Vardaan Senior Citizens Home. Vardaan is truly home away from home and the entire staff under the able guidance of both Dr Rekha Khandelwal and Dr Rajiv Khandelwal works tirelessly to make the senior citizens feel at home.

Akshey

The Ilizarov Technique