Pediatric Orthopedic Center

Treatment Centers

Pediatric Orthopedic Center

Ilizarov Method

Treatment Centers

Pediatric Orthopedic Center

Ilizarov Method

Treatment Centers

Learn about Ilizarov bone lengthening and deformity correction, its uses and the treatment process.

INFORMATIONSurgery Information

Surgery Time

2 hours

Incision

3–4 cm

Anesthesia

Spinal / General

Walking

Day after surgery

Daily Life

After 2 weeks

Showering

After stitch removal

M E A N I N G

What Is Ilizarov Surgery?

Developed by Dr. Ilizarov of Russia, this procedure replaced earlier bone lengthening methods (in which the bone was cut, stretched with a device, filled with the patient's own or donor bone and fixed with an internal device). Instead, it uses a special circular external fixator to lengthen the bone gradually by a set amount, so that new bone forms naturally in the gap between the cut bone ends. It is a new concept of bone regeneration known as distraction osteogenesis.

Today the Ilizarov technique is used not only for bone lengthening but in many areas of orthopedics, including deformity correction, and new techniques continue to be developed around the world.

X-ray of thighbones after Ilizarov lengthening

Ilizarov (Limb Lengthening)

CASEConditions Treated with Ilizarov

Bone lengthening with the Ilizarov technique is used not only to lengthen bones but also to treat congenital deformities, correct limb deformities, and treat cases where bone has been badly broken or lost due to trauma and its complications.

Treatment of congenital deformities

Correction of arm and leg deformities caused by trauma, infection or disease

Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with associated nonunion and shortening

Treatment of difficult acute comminuted and complex fractures

Treatment of bone defects caused by trauma, inflammation or tumors

Arm and leg lengthening for short stature caused by congenital or metabolic disease

TREATMENTIlizarov Treatment Process and Duration

Ilizarov surgery can lengthen bone by 1 mm per day. First, the wide part of the bone to be lengthened is cut with a special instrument, and a circular metal external fixator is attached outside the body. Then, at set times every day, the screws on the device are turned to lengthen the distance between the two rings precisely, 0.25 mm at a time, four times a day. Thanks to the bone's natural ability to regenerate, new bone tissue grows in the lengthened area, and the surrounding nerves, blood vessels and muscles lengthen along with it.

In theory the bone can lengthen 3 cm per month, but when you include the time needed for the new tissue to function normally and for physical therapy, treatment usually takes about one month per 1 cm.

Precautions After Surgery

As interest in appearance grows, more and more medical institutions are promoting only the positive aspects of Ilizarov as "height-increasing surgery." Ilizarov can indeed increase height, but the procedure was not originally developed for cosmetic height gain. Patients should be aware that many people who undergo Ilizarov may, depending on the case, need revision surgery or additional procedures to treat complications, and that disability can occur in rare cases. Complications and after-effects vary with each patient's constitution and case, but inflammation and pain around the external fixator are the most common. Bone deformity during lengthening, poor formation of new bone and limited movement of nearby joints may also occur. After surgery it is especially important to lengthen exactly the prescribed amount: if the bone is lengthened by more than 1 mm per day, the nerves are stretched too much at once, which can cause nerve palsy or rupture of blood vessels or muscles. Ilizarov surgery is a highly demanding procedure whose side effects must never be overlooked, so please consider both its benefits and its risks carefully before deciding on surgery.