THE ILIZAROV METHOD FOR CORRECTION OF COMPLEX DEFORMITIES - PSYCHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES

We reviewed the psychological profile and functional ability of forty- five children (fifty-two extremities) who had had correction of deform ities of the lower extremities with the Ilizarov method. Psychological changes were evaluated with the Post-Hospitalization Behavior Questio nnaire and the Children's Depression Inventory, and the functional sta tus was measured with the Children Health Information Service Rand Sca le, The over-all satisfaction of the patient with regard to the outcom e of the operation was assessed as well. The operations were performed between 1988 and 1992, The average age at the time of the operation w as twelve years (range, three to eighteen years), and the average dura tion of follow-up was thirty-six months (range, twenty-four to seventy -two months). The lengthening index, duration of lengthening, and aver age number of complications were similar to those reported in other st udies, All of the children had a normal psychological score, forty-two had no limitations in daily activities, and thirty-seven were satisfi ed with the over-all result.