胫骨成角短缩畸形数字化三维精准矫形研究

目的探讨三维数字化骨科技术和Ilizarov环形外固定架辅助胫骨成角短缩畸形精准矫形的效果。方法 2012年6月—2016年8月收治胫骨成角伴短缩畸形患者26例,其中男12例,女14例;年龄1~19岁,平均16.5岁。先天性胫骨假关节患者6例,胫骨、股骨纤维结构不良1例,小儿麻痹后遗症导致肢体短缩畸形3例,骨折畸形愈合16例。术前患侧肢体短缩1.5~9.5 cm,平均6.2 cm。采取数字化骨科技术分析患肢三维空间存在的畸形,模拟截骨矫形和延长的手术过程,计算机辅助设计(computer aided design,CAD)、3D打印个性化辅助截骨矫形导航模板,借助外固定架辅助胫骨延长。术后定期复查X线片,随访观察新生骨塑形情况、肢体延长长度、下肢力线、成角畸形有无复发。结果术后患者均获随访,随访时间14~48个月,平均18.8个月。1例发生针孔浅表感染,经清洁换药和口服抗生素治疗后愈合。无骨不连、足部马蹄状畸形、血管神经损伤等并发症发生。术后1周复查X线片示胫骨畸形完全矫正,下肢负重力线恢复正常。所有患者按照术前计划完成骨延长长度,牵移骨痂矿化时间为12~20周,平均11.6周;外固定架拆除时间为18~26周,平均14.9周;愈合指数为21~78 d/cm,平均63.4 d/cm。延长过程中1例患儿膝关节屈曲活动较健侧减少15°,经理疗锻炼后好转,并完成肢体延长达到预期矫正效果。结论采用三维数字化技术辅助胫骨畸形实施精准矫形,借助外固定架辅助矫形术后肢体延长,可获得较好疗效,保证了手术的安全性、微创性和精准性。     

Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连

 目的 探讨采用Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年6月至2010年12月,采用Ilizarov环型外固定器直接牵张治疗肥大性骨不连患者的病例,男10例,女2例;年龄22～62岁,平均46.5岁;肱骨中段1例,股骨髁上2例,胫骨中段3例,胫骨中下1/3交界处6例;患肢畸形成角10°～35°,平均25°,其中2例为双平面畸形,10例为单平面畸形;肢体短缩2～6 cm,平均3.5 cm。所有患者术前均拍摄双下肢全长X线片。对骨断端尽量不切开,局部不植骨,直接安装预构的Ilizarov外固定器。对局部留存内固定物者,采用微创的方法取出,尽量保护骨断端血供。术后第7天开始进行矫形延长,断端处每天延长0.25 mm。在恢复肢体长度的同时,矫正成角畸形,对双平面畸形,先矫正冠状面畸形,再矫正矢状面畸形。结果 12例骨不连患者均通过断端直接牵张成骨而获得骨性愈合, 骨断端无需植骨。骨性愈合时间6～12个月,平均8个月。成角畸形和肢体不等长全部获得矫正。畸形矫正时间15～35 d,平均24 d。畸形矫正10°～30°,平均23°。患肢延长2.0～5.5 cm,平均3.0 cm。随访6～18个月,平均14个月,所有患者获得的矫形均未丢失。结论 肥大性骨不连断端间纤维骨痂有活跃的成骨潜能,采用Ilizarov外固定器治疗肥大性骨不连可取得满意的疗效。     

组合式外固定器治疗合并患肢短缩的足踝部畸形

背景：传统的足踝部畸形的矫正需要通过手术来完成,术后需要“静态”的维持。Ilizarov技术遵循的“张力-应力法则”和“牵拉组织再生技术”,在一定程度上打破了传统的矫形模式。目的：探讨Ilizarov技术治疗合并患肢短缩的足踝部畸形的临床疗效。方法：回顾分析2006年8月至2012年10月采用Ilizarov技术治疗的17例下肢及足踝部畸形患者的临床资料。其中男10例,女7例,年龄20~37岁,平均27.5岁。脊髓灰质炎后遗症导致患肢短缩合并足踝负重位外翻畸形患者5例,先天性马蹄内翻足合并患肢短缩7例,高弓足合并患肢短缩3例,跟腱挛缩、仰趾畸形合并患肢短缩2例。所有患者在有限手术重建足踝部软组织平衡或者截骨矫正畸形后安装Ilizarov组合式外固定支架,同时做胫骨的延长。结果：17例患者佩戴Ilizarov支架的时间是16~44周,足踝部矫形支架在3~6个月矫形满意、骨融合确实后单独拆除,骨延长支架根据需要继续佩戴。所有患者都获得随访,随访时间6~48个月,患肢延长2~6 cm,延长段骨矿化满意,足踝部矫形满意。足踝功能参照AOFAS评分：术前（43±5.1）分,术后（76±7.2）分。结论：对于各种原因导致的合并下肢短缩的足踝部畸形的矫治,Ilizarov技术灵活的器械组合可同时完成多方向的畸形矫正,在矫正畸形的同时实施骨延长术。     

泰勒支架矫正踝关节周围畸形

[目的]探讨泰勒支架在踝关节周围畸形矫正中的应用疗效。[方法]2014年7月～2017年7月共治疗踝关节周围畸形10例,术前常规拍标准踝关节正位X线片,根据影像学资料全面评估踝关节短缩、成角、旋转、移位情况,设计截骨平面。术中根据截骨平面按照穿针要求两侧安装固定泰勒环,近端标准环垂直骨平面,依据所定位截骨平面进行截骨操作,确认截断后,连接固定连接杆并将6根连接杆序码按照要求安装。术后1周复查,拍摄标准的正侧位X线片以及大体照片,于X线片上测量踝关节的畸形参数,并用电脑输入畸形参数来模拟矫正结果并获得畸形的矫正参数。然后依据新生成的矫正处方调整6个连接杆,调整结束后,再次拍摄标准正侧位X线片、外观照片。根据处方提示,必要时更换需要调整的连接杆直至畸形矫正,截骨处愈合,功能良好,逐步拆除外固定架。[结果]所有患者均获得随访,随访时间3～12个月,所有患者踝关节功能恢复良好,畸形得到纠正。[结论]泰勒支架在矫正畸形的同时可进一步调整踝关节的活动度,使之接近正常生理解剖,术后恢复功能、外观良好,为治疗踝关节周围畸形提供了一种新的方法。     

不同骨延长器治疗肢体畸形并大段骨缺损

[目的]利用Ilizarov支架、Orthofix肢体重建系统（Orthofix LRS）及Hybrid固定系统（Hybrid Fixation System）与Orthofix LRS的组合，对不同的肢体畸形并大段骨缺损进行矫形及骨延长治疗，同时观察其疗效。[方法]自2000年8月-2004年3月分别用Ilizarov支架、Orthofix LRS及Hybrid支架与Orthofix LRS的组合进行骨痂牵开／骨段滑移治疗合并肢体畸形的大段骨缺损。畸形处采用线形／楔形截骨。畸形愈合并骨短缩者楔形截骨后进行骨痂牵开骨延长术，骨不连并畸形及短缩者接合点加压与截骨矫形骨段滑移延长同时进行。[结果]矫正股骨短缩畸形7cm1例，胫骨6例，内翻畸形2例，后成角畸形2例，混合畸形2例。平均延长5．3cm（4．5—7cm），平均延长时间3．5个月，平均延长后外固定时间7个月，无神经血管损伤，膝踝关节活动未受影响。[结论]Ilizarov支架、Orthofix LRS、Hybrid固定系统与Orthofix LRS的组合用于骨痂牵开／骨段滑移治疗合并肢体畸形的大段骨缺损均能达到矫形及骨延长的治疗目的。Orthofix LRS及Hybrid固定系统与Orthofix LRS的组合较Ilizarov支架操作简便，安全可靠，患者乐于接受。     

Ilizarov关节成形术治疗第一跖趾关节痛风性骨破坏

[目的]初步探讨运用Ilizarov技术配合关节成形术治疗第一跖趾关节痛风石性骨破坏的可行性及临床疗效。[方法] 2014年6月～2017年12月对12例第1跖趾关节痛风性骨破坏患者采用手术治疗。清除跖趾关节周围痛风石后,修整已被破坏的跖趾关节骨端,克氏针临时固定第1跖趾关节,安装第1跖骨Ilizarov支架,第一跖骨基底部骨膜下截骨。术后通过外固定器逐渐延长第1跖骨,以纠正短缩,定期复查X线片,待骨延长完成并达至骨性愈合时拆除外固定架。评估患足跖骨延长、畸形矫正、功能恢复及并发症情况。[结果]术后随访时间8～48个月,所有病例第一跖骨骨延长和骨矿化均满意,平均延长(11.72±2.60) mm,骨延长指数为25 d/cm,第一跖列骨破坏缺损、短缩得到恢复,关节畸形矫正满意。AOFAS评分由术前(45.58±1.61)分增加至末次随访时(83.33±8.71)分,临床结果评定为优5例,良4例,可3例。[结论]利用Ilizarov技术配合跖趾关节成形术治疗第一跖趾关节痛风石性骨破坏,新生骨生长良好,使破坏并短缩的第一跖列长度得到恢复,可有效地矫正畸形,改善症状,临床疗效满意,是一种可行的方法。     

胫骨内侧高位截骨术中Miniaci法与力线杆定位法矫正下肢负重力线的精确性比较

目的比较Miniaci法与力线杆定位法在胫骨内侧高位截骨术中力线矫正时的精确性。方法回顾性分析自2017-09—2019-06行关节镜下探查清理联合胫骨内侧高位截骨术治疗的45例膝关节内侧间室骨性关节炎合并内翻畸形,21例术中采用力线杆定位法(力线杆定位组),C型臂X线机透视下逐渐撑开截骨间隙使力线杆经过胫骨平台宽度的62.5%处;24例采用Miniaci法定位(Miniaci法定位组),采用负重位下肢全长X线片确定负重轴计算术中截骨撑开角度及高度。结果 45例均获得随访,随访时间平均7(3～15)个月。与力线杆定位组比较,Miniaci法定位组手术时间明显更短,术中X线透视次数明显更少,术后胫股机械角、胫骨近端内侧角矫正程度更优,下肢负重力线矫正至可接受范围的比例明显更高,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。结论采用基于PACS影像的Miniaci法术前计划胫骨内侧高位截骨矫正角度比术中使用力线杆透视定位法更为精确,同时可减少术中透视时间,进而缩短手术时间。     

Ilizarov外固定器矫正膝关节畸形

 目的 总结Ilizarov外固定器矫正膝关节畸形的临床特点与效果。方法 回顾性分析2003年5月至2010年4月,采用Ilizarov外固定器矫正膝关节畸形的21例（22膝）患者资料,男12例,女9例;年龄8~38岁,平均20.3岁。致畸原因：儿麻后遗症4例,烧伤后遗畸形2例,骨髓炎后遗畸形2例,创伤后遗畸形9例,Blount病2例,多发性骨软骨瘤病2例。其中软组织屈曲挛缩5例,采用跨关节铰链Ilizarov支架组合,后侧逐步牵伸矫正;单纯骨性成角畸形8例（9膝）、骨性成角畸形伴骨短缩7例,采用4柱铰链支架组合,先矫正成角畸形,再牵伸延长矫正骨短缩;骨与软组织复合畸形1例,采用以上两种支架的叠加组合。结果 21例患者佩戴Ilizarov支架的时间为12~36周,平均22.3周;拆除支架时膝关节畸形均获满意矫正,其中16例（17膝）截骨或骨延长者均获得坚实骨性愈合。所有患者均获6~86个月随访,平均32.1个月。关节活动度由术前的102.14°±49.36°改善为随访时126.90°±24.31°。根据日本骨科协会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA） 膝关节骨关节炎治疗效果判定标准评定患膝功能,术前为（50.24±23.64）分,随访时为（85.71±10.52）分。所有患者随访时均可不扶拐徒手行走,且均可独立生活。2例患膝关节活动度＜ 90°,不能下蹲。结论 Ilizarov外固定器矫正膝关节畸形疗效确切,具有手术创伤小,可随时灵活调整的优点,但也存在与长时间带架相关的缺点。     

骨延长术治疗Ollier病所致儿童肢体短缩并文献复习

[目的]分析骨延长术治疗Ollier病所致儿童肢体短缩的临床疗效和技术要点。[方法]收集2011年6月～2017年6月收治的2例因Ollier病所致肢体短缩的患儿,通过应用骨延长技术行矫正治疗,上肢患儿应用Wagner外固定架延长肱骨8.5 cm,下肢患儿应用Orthofix外固定架延长股骨9 cm并矫正內翻成角畸形26°。[结果]2例患儿术后均获得随访,上肢患儿随访5年,下肢患儿随访2年,患肢功能和外观均获得明显改善,无严重并发症发生,术后1年Enneking肢体功能评分,上肢患儿97%,下肢患儿80%。[结论]骨延长技术是治疗Ollier病所致儿童肢体短缩的有效方法。     

同期跟腱延长及胫骨延长术治疗合并马蹄足的下肢短缩畸形

目的：介绍应用半环式外固定架渐进性骨牵伸延长并同期行跟腱延长术治疗合并马蹄足的下肢短缩畸形的经验。方法：36例合并马蹄足的下肢短缩患者同期行跟腱延长及胫骨延长术,骨延长采用胫骨上端舌型截骨或胫骨上端骨骺牵开。半环式外固定架缓慢延长。结果：36例患者骨延长4-9cm,平均6.5cm。均达预期长度,马蹄足畸形矫正和功能恢复达到术前设计的矫正效果。结论：本术式能减少合并马蹄足的下肢短缩畸形矫正手术次数和术后畸形发生,并有利于术后功能锻炼。     

Correction of severe wrist deformity following physeal arrest of the distal radius with the aid of a three-dimensional computer simulation

Growth arrest following physeal injury may result in severe limb deformity. We report a case of complex wrist deformity caused by injury to the distal radial physis resulting in radial shortening and abnormal inclination of the radial articular surface, which was successfully treated by gradual correction after computer simulation. The simulation enabled us to develop an appropriate operative plan by accurately calculating the axis of the three-dimensional (3D) deformity using computer bone models. In the simulative surgery with a full-size stereolithography bone model, an Ilizarov external fixator was applied to the radius such that its two hinges were located on the virtual axis of the deformity, which was reproduced in the actual surgery. This technique of 3D computer simulation is a useful alternative to plan accurate correction of complex limb deformities following growth arrest.     

Correction of hallux valgus deformity using the center of rotation of angulation method

Background  To correct a hallux valgus (HV) deformity quantitatively and prevent unexpected postoperative deformity, the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method was applied during HV surgery. To correct a hallux valgus (HV) deformity quantitatively and prevent unexpected postoperative deformity, the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method was applied during HV surgery. Methods  To create a normal foot model, radiographs of 64 normal female feet were measured. Points A and B were defined as the intersection of the intermetatarsal angle and the HV angle. CORA1 and CORA2 were defined as the intersection of the axes of the first metatarsal and the first proximal phalanx in the normal and HV models, respectively. Procedures to correct HV deformity using the CORA method were devised and were applied to HV feet, which underwent a focal dome osteotomy or medial wedge osteotomy. Results  Point A was 2.3 times the length of the second metatarsal proximally from the top of the second metatarsal head, and point B was 0.17 times the length of the first metatarsal proximally from the top of the first metatarsal head. Two methods were used to correct the deformity. With one method, a focal dome osteotomy was performed at the first metatarsal on the circle at the CORA1 and the distal fragment was moved to the standard first metatarsal axis. The first proximal phalanx was then moved around the metatarsal head to the standard axis of the first proximal phalanx at the CORA2. With the other method, a medial wedge osteotomy was performed on or proximal to the CORA2, and the distal fragment was moved to the first standard metatarsal axis. Conclusions  We propose a preoperative plan to use the CORA method to correct deformities that prevent translation of the axis or an angulation deformity. HV deformity can be corrected effectively using the CORA method.     

Distraction histogenesis for hypertrophic nonunion of the tibia with deformity and shortening

The results of distraction histogenesis using Ilizarov techniques for 18 consecutive patients were evaluated. There were 13 male and 5 female patients. Their ages ranged from 11 to 74 years (average 36.8 years). All patients presented with established hypertrophic nonunion of the tibia, associated deformity ≥15° and leg shortening. There were no cases of active infection at the time of our treatment. The procedure included fibular osteotomy, application of a pre-constructed Ilizarov frame. Controlled distraction was done until complete deformity correction and equalization of leg length. Weight bearing was allowed during treatment. All patients (100%) had their nonunions consolidated with deformity correction and restoration of the normal mechanical axis of the limb. The leg length discrepancy was corrected in all cases. The follow up ranged from 29 to 50 months (average 37.2 month) after fixator removal. Distraction histogenesis, using Ilizarov techniques, is a reliable method for consolidation of hypertrophic nonunion, deformity correction and equalization of leg length all in one procedure through minimal surgical interference.     

Ilizarov treatment of tibial nonunions with bone loss

Twenty-five patients aged 19-62 years were treated for tibial nonunions (22 atrophic, three hypertrophic) with bone loss (1-23 cm, mean 6.2 cm) by the Ilizarov technique and fixator. Thirteen had chronic osteomyelitis, 19 had a limb-length discrepancy (2-11 cm), 12 had a bony defect (1-16 cm), and 13 had a deformity. Six had a bone defect with no shortening, 13 had shortening with no defect, and six had both a bone defect and shortening. Nonunion, bone defects, limb shortening, and deformity can all be addressed simultaneously with the Ilizarov apparatus. Bone defects were closed from within without bone grafts by the Ilizarov bone transport technique of sliding a bone fragment internally, producing distraction osteogenesis behind it until the defect is bridged (internal lengthening). Length was reestablished by distraction of a percutaneous corticotomy or through compression and subsequent distraction of the pseudarthrosis site (external lengthening). Distraction osteogenesis resulting from both processes obviated the need for a bone graft in every case. Deformity was corrected by means of hinges on the apparatus. Infection was treated by radical resection of the necrotic bone and internal lengthening to regenerate the excised bone. Union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 13.6 months, but it was only 10.6 months if the time taken for unsuccessful compression-distraction of the nonunion is eliminated from the calculation. The bone results were excellent in 18 cases, good in five, and fair in two based on union in all cases, persistent infection in three, deformity in four, and limb shortening in one. The functional results were excellent in 16 cases, good in seven, fair in one, and poor in one based on return to work and daily activities in all cases, limp in four cases, equinus deformity in five cases, dystrophy in four cases, pain in four cases, and voluntary amputation for neurogenic pain in one case.     

Management of stiff hypertrophic nonunions by distraction osteogenesis: a report of 16 cases

OBJECTIVE: Hypertrophic nonunions can be managed successfully with distraction. Hypertrophic changes indicate that the tissue at the nonunion site has a biologic healing potential. The missing component is an appropriate mechanical environment to transform a hypertrophic nonunion into solid bone. DESIGN: At our institution, the records of 10 male and 6 female patients treated for stiff hypertrophic nonunion with the Ilizarov distraction method were retrospectively analyzed. The average age of the patients was 42.3 years (range 15-69 years). The nonunion time ranged from 8-48 months. All patients had at least 1 cm shortening, 3 patients had a deformity in one plane, and 13 had a deformity in two planes. The pathology was localized to the upper extremity in 5 patients, to the lower extremity in 11 patients, with a periarticular localization in 11 patients. An Ilizarov-type circular external fixator was applied in all patients to correct shortening, to correct deformity, and to achieve a solid union. RESULTS: All nonunions healed at an average follow-up of 38.1 months (range 24-95 months). The average time spent in the external fixator was 7.1 months (range 5-10 months). The average preoperative length discrepancy was 2.25 cm (range 1-8 cm), which was eliminated in all patients at the time of frame removal. The average coronal plane angulation of 19.7 degrees (range 15-37 degrees) and sagittal plane angulation of 20.8 degrees (range 5-45 degrees), together with translation in one patient, also were corrected to normal anatomic alignment. Complications included minor pin tract infections and hardware problems; recurrence of deformity was observed in one patient who refused to wear a protective brace after frame removal. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophic nonunions can be managed successfully with distraction. The Ilizarov device can address every aspect of a stiff hypertrophic nonunion, including shortening and deformity.     

Correction of knee and ankle valgus in hereditary multiple exostoses using the Ilizarov apparatus

Background Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a genetic disorder that causes limb deformities due to disturbance at the growth plates. Materials and methods Six adolescents, whith symptomatic valgus deformity at the ankle and knee (seven affected legs) underwent correction procedures using the Ilizarov apparatus. In 5 legs, a bifocal Ilizarov apparatus was used, whereas in 2 legs the use of a monofocal apparatus was sufficient. Results Correction of the mechanical axis was achieved in all cases, and limb length discrepancy was equalized in the 3 cases that underwent limb elogation. The average knee and ankle corrections were 15° and 18°, respectively. The average time from application to removal of the Ilizarove apparatus was 4.6 months. No major complication occurred. Conclusions The use of the Ilizarov method in adolescents with HME enables successful simultaneous correction of multiplanar, multifocal complex limb deformities.     

Distraction osteogenesis for nonunion after high tibial osteotomy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether distraction osteogenesis can be used to treat hypertrophic nonunion associated with angular deformity and shortening after Coventry style high tibial osteotomy. Five consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. In all patients the alignment had collapsed into excessive varus or valgus and leg length discrepancy was present. The leg length discrepancy, malalignment, and nonunion were treated simultaneously with distraction. Union was achieved by the time of fixator removal, which averaged 4.4 months. The Hospital for Special Surgery knee score significantly improved from 42 to 89. The mechanical axis deviation significantly improved by 5 cm. The coronal plane deformity significantly improved by 13 degrees, and leg length discrepancy improved significantly from 2.3 to 0.5 cm. Metaphyseal bone stock increased by 43%, and the Insall-Salvati ratio increased from 1.1 to 1.2 and remained within normal limits. All patients were satisfied with the procedure, and none have had or need a total knee replacement at an average followup of 4 years. Distraction osteogenesis of nonunion after high tibial osteotomy is a minimally invasive and successful procedure. It leads to bony union with correction of deformity and leg length discrepancy and prevents the need for total knee replacement at intermediate-term followup. The increase in metaphyseal bone stock may make total knee replacement technically easier.     

Taylor spatial frame-software-controlled fixator for deformity correction-the early Indian experience

Background:

Complex deformity correction and fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method needs extensive preoperative analysis and laborious postoperative fixator alterations, which are error-prone. We report our initial experience in treating the first 22 patients having fractures and complex deformities and shortening with software-controlled Taylor spatial frame (TSF) external fixator, for its ease of use and accuracy in achieving fracture reduction and complex deformity correction.

Settings and Design:

The struts of the TSF fixator have multiplane hinges at both ends and the six struts allow correction in all six axes. Hence the same struts act to correct either angulation or translation or rotation. With a single construct assembled during surgery all the desired axis corrections can be performed without a change of the montage as is needed with the Ilizarov fixator.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-seven limb segments were operated with the TSF fixator. There were 23 tibiae, two femora, one knee joint and one ankle joint. Seven patients had comminuted fractures. Ten patients who had 13 deformed segments achieved full correction. Eight patients had lengthening in 10 tibiae. (Five of these also had simultaneous correction of deformities). One patient each had correction of knee and ankle deformities. Accurate reduction of fractures and correction of deformities and length could be achieved in all of our patients with minimum postoperative fixator alterations as compared to the Ilizarov system. The X-ray visualization of the osteotomy or lengthening site due to the six crossing struts and added bulk of the fixator rings which made positioning in bed and walking slightly more difficult as compared to the Ilizarov fixator.

Conclusions:

The TSF external fixator allows accurate fracture reduction and deformity correction without tedious analysis and postoperative frame alterations. The high cost of the fixator is a deterrent. The need for an internet connection and special X-rays to operate the fixator add to its complexity.     

Temporary intentional leg shortening and deformation to facilitate wound closure using the Ilizarov/Taylor spatial frame

Infected tibial nonunions with bone loss pose an extremely challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. A comprehensive approach that addresses the infection, bone quality, and overlying soft-tissue integrity must be considered for a successful outcome. Acute shortening with an Ilizarov frame has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of open tibia fractures with simultaneous bone and soft-tissue loss. Cases in which the soft-tissue defect considerably exceeds bone loss may require an Ilizarov frame along with a concomitant soft-tissue procedure; however, there are a number of potential difficulties with vascularized pedicle flaps and free tissue flaps, including anastomotic complications, partial flap necrosis, and flap failure. The technique described in this report involves acute shortening and temporary bony deformation with the Ilizarov apparatus to facilitate wound closure and does not require a concomitant soft-tissue reconstructive procedure. Once the wound is healed, osseous deformity and length are gradually corrected by distraction osteogenesis with the Ilizarov/Taylor Spatial frame.     

Definition, quantification, and correction of translation deformities using long leg, frontal plane radiography.

The surgical realignment of mechanical axis deviation is necessary to prevent early joint degeneration. Modern types of external fixation systems allow alignment of the mechanical axis to exact degrees. Predominately, these are corrections of angulation deformities. In some cases, the analysis of the mechanical axis deviation does not show any angulation deformity, but rather a parallel staggering of the mechanical axis lines of a bone. Such parallel staggering of the mechanical axis lines is defined as a translation deformity of the bone. In combined deformities with angulation and translation, the center of deformity can be established proximal or distal to the limit of the bone. In translation deformities, the realignment of the mechanical axis requires a parallel restaggering made by a translation-osteotomy or by a counterangulated double osteotomy. In complex deformities with angulation and translation, the translation requires separate corrective planning. In frontal plane radiographs of the standing leg, the components of angulation and translation can be established graphically or by simple trigonometric formulas. The analysis and surgical procedure to realign translation deformities or a combination of translation and angulation deformities using an unilateral fixator device are discussed.