What is Ilizarov Surgery?
Ilizarov surgery is a method used in the treatment of various orthopedic conditions. It is named after the Russian orthopedic surgeon Prof. Dr. A. Gavriil Ilizarov, who developed the technique. In the 1950s, Ilizarov revolutionized orthopedics with this method, successfully treating many conditions previously thought untreatable. For a long time, only countries in the Eastern bloc were aware of his concepts. However, 30 years later, Italian orthopedic surgeons encountered Dr. Ilizarov and his developed concepts by chance.
In Ilizarov surgery, an external device is used to stabilize deformed or fractured bones without the need for open surgery. This device consists of a frame made from thin metal rings, rods (called "rods"), bolts, and nuts, connected by various intermediary connections. The system is secured using special wires that pass through the bones of the limb (arm or leg).
Ilizarov surgery is particularly effective in the treatment of open and complex fractures, cases where other surgical methods have failed, bone infections, and correction of deformities in limbs. However, since this method is a surgical procedure, it carries risks and must be applied correctly.
What is the Difference Between Ilizarov Surgery and Other Methods?
Ilizarov surgery differs from other bone surgery techniques because the system is like a puzzle. You can perform any procedures you deem appropriate without changing the basic surgical principles.
Ilizarov surgery is different from traditional bone treatment methods because it does not require placing a plate directly on the fractured bone or inserting a nail into the bone. Instead, treatment is achieved using a dynamic system created by stabilizing wires that pass through the bones to a frame made of metal rings and rods.
What Areas Is Ilizarov Surgery Used In?
Ilizarov surgery is used in the following areas:
- Open bone fractures, complex fractures with bone loss
- Fractures with skin and soft tissue problems
- Delayed healing or nonunion fractures
- Congenital or acquired bone deformities (malformations)
- Bone infections
- Joint contractures (frozen joints)
- Length discrepancies in extremities, limb shortening
- Situations where other orthopedic surgical methods have failed or are not suitable
Are There Age Restrictions for Ilizarov Surgery?
Ilizarov surgery can generally be performed on patients of all ages without age-related restrictions. Each patient's condition, treatment options, and risks are taken into account when determining the treatment plan. Particularly in older patients, Ilizarov surgery performed under regional anesthesia for high-risk hip fractures that cannot receive general anesthesia is crucial for early mobilization. Ilizarov surgery can also be performed in children, often for correcting or lengthening bone deformities.
Who Can Perform Ilizarov Surgery?
Orthopedic and traumatology specialists who perform Ilizarov surgery should be trained and specialized in this field.
Ilizarov surgery is typically carried out with the collaboration of a large multidisciplinary team. This team may include surgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, infection control experts, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Since Ilizarov surgery can treat some bone issues that cannot be addressed surgically, it is essential for specialists dealing with such issues to be knowledgeable about Ilizarov surgery.
Is Ilizarov Surgery an Expensive Procedure?
Ilizarov surgery can take longer than other surgical procedures and may require additional costs for the use of devices, regular follow-ups, and physiotherapy sessions. However, costs can vary depending on the patient's condition, the complexity of the treatment, the materials used, and other factors.
In some cases, Ilizarov surgery may be less expensive than other treatment options. For instance, using the Ilizarov device instead of a prosthetic, depending on the surgical site, can reduce the patient's treatment costs.
