THE USE OF THE ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE IN THE CORRECTION OF LOWER-EXTREMITY DEFORMITIES IN CHILDREN

The first time the Ilizarov technique was used at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 25 limb segments were treated in 15 patients. Thirteen segments (52%) required angular correction, 6 (24%) required lengthen ing, and 6 (24%) required both angular correction and lengthening. Ave rage angular correction was 21 degrees (8 degrees to 41 degrees); aver age length gained was 44 mm (25 to 85 mm). All patients except two ach ieved preoperative goals. A total of 17 minor (.68/limb) and four majo r (.16/limb) complications occurred in the 25 limb segments in the stu dy. The total complication rate was .84 complications per limb segment . The most common complication was pin tract infection (11 patients). This comprised 52% of complications and occurred in 44% of limb segmen ts.