Acute Trauma Applications of the Ilizarov Method

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the results of treatment of patients with acute trauma of the lower extremities using the Ilizarov technique.Method: Retrospective study of eight patients who were treated between 1999 and 2007 for acute trauma to the lower extremities. There were four Type III pilon fractures, five open wounds, three tibial shaft fractures, one comminuted supracondylar femoral fracture, and one tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker VI).Results: There were seven males and one female with an average age of 49 years (range 25 � 74 years). Results were classified in Bone and Functional results. There were six excellent, one good and one poor bone result. The functional result was good in four patients, fair in two patients with three ankles (one patient had a bilateral injury), and poor in two patients.Conclusion: The Ilizarov external fixation technique is a valuable tool in the treatment of acute trauma of the lower extremities.