Correction of foot deformities by the Ilizarov method without corrective osteotomies or soft tissue release.

Twenty-three foot deformities in 22 patients had been treated without any real surgical incision, 'the bloodless technique', after the application of the Ilizarov external fixator. The ages of the patients ranged from 2 years and 6 months to 49 years. After an average follow-up of 18.3 months (range 8-40 months), all patients had a plantigrade foot. There was no need for soft tissue release or osteotomy. Pin tract infection occurred mostly in the metatarsal wire. However it did not affect final results. The bloodless technique is an effective way of treating foot deformities in children and adults.