Artemiev AA, Zagorodniy NV, Haddad SN, Shipulin AA, Gululyan GG and Kashoob AM
The purpose is to present the possibility of accurate correction of a small
magnitude knee varus deformity in young adult patients without signs of
knee arthrosis using tibial osteotomy with an Ilizarov ring fixator. One hundred
and forty-five patients with bilateral constitutional tibial varus deformities
underwent surgery between 1996 and 2018. In all cases, operations were
performed on both shins simultaneously using the Ilizarov method. The
operation consisted of 3 elements: osteotomy of the fibula, application of the
Ilizarov apparatus, and osteotomy of the tibia. Osteotomy of the fibula was
performed so as not to interfere with the correction of the tibia in patients with
severe deformity. There were 64 men (mean age 31.4 ± 5.6 years, range 18-44
years) and 81 women (mean age 27.4 ± 8.6 years, range 17-50 years). During
the postoperative period, patients mastered the skills of caring for the Ilizarov
apparatus and using additional support (walkers or crutches). They gradually
expanded their modes of activity, using first a walker and then crutches
for walking. In the final stages of treatment, patients usually walked freely
without additional support. The technique provided stable fixation and early
mobilization of patients and achieved accurate correction. Complications
encountered were minor and did not affect the outcome. We conclude that
external osteosynthesis is a safe and effective method. Young patients more
easily tolerate such operations, develop complications less frequently, and
have a favorable prognosis