Deformity correction followed by lengthening with the Ilizarov method.

Deformity combined with shortening of 18 lower limb segments of 17 patients was treated with the Ilizarov method. Limb lengthening was done at the same treatment (monofocal treatment) or a separate osteotomy (bifocal treatment) was done after acute or gradual correction of the deformity using the Ilizarov hinge system. The external fixation time, amount of deformity correction, length gained, and incidence of complications were examined. Results were compared between monofocal versus bifocal treatment groups and between femoral versus tibial procedures. The average deformity corrected was 22.3 degrees, and the average lengthening was 44.4 mm. The external fixation index was 49.3 days/cm on average, ranging from 24.4 to 90 days/cm, and the mean duration of external fixation was 198 days, ranging from 77 to 352 days. Major complications requiring surgical treatment, such as premature consolidation and fracture, were seen in four patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the results for monofocal and bifocal treatment or treatment indices for femoral and tibial operations. The Ilizarov method was very effective for treatment of limb deformity combined with shortening. Monofocal treatment might be better if the total amounts of lengthening required are short to reduce surgical invasion. Longer treatment indices for tibial operations could not be verified from the current study.