RESULTS OF TIBIAL LENGTHENING WITH THE ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE

Between June 1987 and June 1992, 62 tibiae in 52 patients underwent le ngthening by using the Ilizarov technique. Follow-up was from 18 month s to 5 years. The mean age at surgery was 12.9 years (range, 5-19). Th e etiology of limb shortening was congenital in 53 and acquired in nin e tibiae. Thirty-five tibiae had bifocal and 27 had unifocal treatment . Twenty-two of the 62 limbs had simultaneous treatment of other assoc iated problems, including rotational or angular deformity or foot defo rmity. The average lengthening was 7.5 cm (range, 3.5-12), which was e quivalent to a 32% average overall increase in limb-segment length (ra nge, 6-96%). Complications required 28 (22%) unplanned procedures in t he 62 tibiae, including nine osteotomies for iatrogenic malunion or de formation of regenerate bone (31%). Three tendo Achilles lengthenings and posterior ankle capsulotomies were required for persistent equinus contractures. Bony complications declined as experience with the tech nique increased. This technique allows simultaneous lengthening correc tion with control of the adjacent foot when required.