Verlängerungstechniken und Möglichkeiten des Segmenttransports im Ringsystem nach Ilizarov

We describe how to set up the Ilizarov ring fixator for lengthening and segmental transport in the calf and thigh.The complications encountered with lengthening (69 cases) and segmental transport (76 cases) and the results results obtained in these cases are presented.Lengthening was required for idiopathic conditions in 5 cases and for posttraumatic corrections in 64.The mean lengthening achieved was 4.5 cm, and the average distraction time required was 8.3 days/cm for the correction of idiopathic conditions and 14.9 days/cm for posttraumatic conditions; the corresponding fixation times required were 33.0 and 56.2 days/cm. After lengthening procedures 22 fixator-related and 3 procedure-related complications requiring treatment were encountered. Stability in the desired length was achieved in almost all cases. In 56 segmental transport procedures to correct defects of a mean of 7.6 cm in the calf, distraction required 16.4 days/cm and fixation, 49.7 days/cm. In these patients there were 15 fixator-related and 45 procedure-related complications that needed treatment.Ultimately, healing and stability were achieved in all these cases,and late complications proved very rare. In 20 segmental transports in the thigh to correct defects an average of 9.7 cm in length, 16.0 days/cm was needed for distraction and 47.0 days/cm for fixation.We encountered 18 fixator-related and 28 procedure-related complications that required treatment.Stability was achieved in all cases but 1. In 1 case a secondary amputation was necessary. Although late complications were rare, 1 late amputation was necessary. Our experience suggests that lengthening by means of the ring fixator should be done only in problem patients, especially after extensive osteomyelitis. For segmental transport in problem patients – patients requiring segmental transport almost always are problem patients – the ring fixator is the ideal means of fixation despite the many minor complications encountered.