Doctors and Hospitals Information

An Illustration Of The Ilizarov Treatment Methods With Real Life Examples

4:08 PM Unknown 1 Comments

Orthopaedics is defined as the branch of medicine which is primarily concerned with diseases, injuries or infections in the bones. Over the years, just as other branches of medicine have evolved, so has orthopaedics. Today there are hi-tech equipments and facilities for major surgical procedures; some of which may have seemed impossible and even miraculous say a couple of decades back. In this context, one very popular and effective technique that has come to practise is the ilizarov technique. It is a scientific equipment which is currently being used in complex surgical procedures involving lengthening or reshaping of   limb bones; for treatment of infections in bones (non-unions); and for treatment of complex bone fractures. This technique was first pioneered by Gavriil Abramovich ilizarov of the then Soviet Union. Somewhere in the 1950’s, external fixation devices were used on patients for treatment of non-unions in bones which was the stepping stone to the concept behind Ilizarov technique. The latter gained worldwide recognition and acclaim when Ilizarov was successful in treating Valery Brumel, a high jumper who had broken his tribia. The athlete had until then had close to twenty unsuccessful operations in a period of around three years and was highly grateful when ilizarov healed him using distraction osteogenesis. After this, Ilizarov went on to treat more patients across the globe successfully, with it increasing the technique’s popularity and demand.

Orthopaedics treatment in Mumbai has improved drastically since th
e development of the Ilizarov apparatus. For example there are very good facilities for limb lengthening methods in Mumbai. This procedure is as follows: There is an initial surgery, where in the bone is fractured surgically to which a ring apparatus is fixed. Gradually, the bone which is fractured begins to grow as 
and when the patient recovers. During the growth, the space in between two rings is increased by means of an adjustable frame. This is done periodically for four times in a day, which eventually results in a remarkable lengthening of limb. Once this is achieved, it takes some more time for the patient’s body to get used to the change. Hence the Ilizarov frame is retained till the healing is complete. It ensures lesser pain and gives proper settling time for the limb. Finally, the attached rings are removed by means of a second surgery. In some cases, an extra surgery may be required in order to lengthen the Achilles tendon so that it can give room for the longer bone length. Post surgery side effects include severe pain, muscle transfixion, swelling, and joint contractures. Medication for these, along with regular physical therapy can nullify these effects to a minimum, making this technique very attractive.

Another area or application for the Ilizarov equipment is in nonunion fracture treatment in Mumbai. This is in fact preferred over the conventional treatments as the latter offers a high risk of infections. Also, in many cases the internal fixation devices do not work due to the severity of the fracture. A real life example of a case in Mumbai can prove the effectiveness of Ilizarov methods. A 24-year old man had developed a Stiff non-union with deformity of radius and ulna. He had undergone various unsuccessful surgeries with no results; he had given up on all hope. However, the Ilizarov surgery changed his life. It not only united his fracture but also corrected his deformity within six months! Another example is of a man who got his leg crushed under a tree. His best chance seemed to be amputation of the leg. However he opted for the Ilizarov treatment and got his leg fixed in less than six months!

Life can be unfair at times. When things don’t go as expected, we tend to lose hope. Think of all those people who have been in unexpected and unfortunate accidents in the past, resulting in them being handicapped. Well science has not only shown them a way forward, it has also proved man that miracles are just a matter of where technology is in the time scale. Hopefully, not far from now Science will have the answers and cure for all ailments and for serious illnesses.