What is the Ilizarov Technique?

The Ilizarov method is a surgery involving an orthopedic external fixator applied to the limb to reconstruct,  reshape or lengthen bones (usually of the limb).

External fixation is a surgical treatment where rods are screwed through an incision into the affected bone and exit the body to be attached to a stabilizing structure outside of the body.

Ilizarov surgery involves the use of a special device called an ‘Ilizarov apparatus or Ilizarov fixator’. It is recommended in cases that are not amenable to other reconstruction techniques.

Ilizarov Apparatus 

This is a set of external fixators comprising rings (2-6), rods, adjustable nuts, and Kirschner wires (a type of stabilization wire/pin used in orthopedic surgery). The device works by a principle called “distraction osteogenesis” (osteo – bone, genesis – formation). Osteogenesis means the development and formation of bones.

The length of Ilizarov surgery mainly depends on the type of bone your surgeon is treating as well as the extent of the treatment. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and typically involves two stages:

  • Traditional osteotomy – making a break through the bone
  • Corticotomy – cutting through the outer layer (cortex) of the bone

During the surgery,

  • The affected bone is drilled surgically and a break is made
  • Kirschner wires are percutaneously passed into the bone via the skin
  • The wires are then guided out the opposite side of the bone
  • The protruding ends of the wires are attached to metal rings
  • The rings are connected and fixed to one another by threaded rods
  • The wires are then held under tension to enhance stability
  • Subsequently, corticotomy is performed by cutting the cortex of the bone
  • Surgery is closed by making necessary adjustments in the rods between the rings

Osteogenesis occurs in the gap as the distraction continues. Once the distraction is over, the frame allows the new bone to harden. As soon as healing is complete, which may take between 3 to 12 months, the Ilizarov fixator is removed under general anesthesia.

The procedure involves gradually pulling the bones apart (distraction). It uses the body’s natural ability to generate and grow new bone between the surfaces that are pulled apart. This bony growth fills up the gap in a gradual, controlled manner with the help of the Ilizarov fixator.

  • Complex and compound fractures
  • Fracture non-union (not healed)
  • Fracture mal-union (incorrectly healed)
  • Unequal limb length and bone deformity
  • Bone misalignment or misplacement
  • Bone infection (Osteomyelitis)

Before the surgery, your medical history will be evaluated to check mainly for anesthetic allergy. This may be followed by a blood test. Your surgeon will also instruct you to:

  • Stop medication (if taking any) that interferes with bone healing
  • Give up smoking (if applicable) as it can slow down healing
  • Arrange someone to drive you back home after the surgery

Potential risks or complications of the procedure include:

  • Pain, bruising, bleeding, swelling
  • Infection
  • Blood clotting (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Nerve palsy (lack of nerve function)
  • Permanent stiffness of the joint
  • Temporary tingling sensation in the skin
  • Anesthesia reaction

As you recover from Ilizarov surgery, you are advised to:

  • Continue to take pain medication as prescribed.
  • Keep the operated part elevated to ease any swelling.
  • Maintain the external fixator frame by keeping it clean and dry.
  • Perform pin care as instructed by your surgeon.
  • Avoid baths due to the risk of infection in the pin sites.

Ilizarov surgery benefits you in several ways. They include:

  • Minimally invasive, customizable procedure
  • A substantially shorter period of hospital stays
  • Less bleeding, infection, and soft tissue damage
  • Good for multiple fractures or angular deformity
  • Effective for open bone injuries and infections
  • Allows necessary reposition of bone fragments
  • A rare instance of joint stiffness and contractures
  • Avoids amputation and/or joint replacement
  • Equalizes bone discrepancies of several inches
  • Faster healing time and speedy recovery
  • Allows early mobility and weight-bearing
  • Enhances stability and distributes stress evenly
  • Patient mobility throughout the treatment
  • Normal regenerated bone that does not wear out
  • Effective both in mature as well as young bones
  • Less disability or recurrence rate
  • Reduced treatment time as well as cost