Ilizarov Surgery

What is Ilizarov Surgery?

Ilizarov surgery is a method used in the treatment of different orthopedic disorders. It is named after the Russian orthopedic surgeon Prof. Dr. A. Gavriil Ilizarov, who developed the method. Ilizarov, who pioneered in orthopedics in the 1950s, successfully treated many diseases that were assumed to be incurable before, with this method he developed. Only the eastern bloc countries were aware of the concepts he developed for a long time. However, after 30 years, Italian orthopedists Dr. They met with Ilizarov and the concept he developed.

In Ilizarov surgery, an external device is used to detect deformed or broken bones without the need for open surgery. This device is a frame that is assembled using thin metal rings, rods, bolts and nuts and different interconnections. Extremity (arm or leg) is fixed to the established system with special wires passed through the bones.

Ilizarov surgery is an effective option especially in the treatment of open and multi-part fractures, in cases where other surgical methods fail, in bone infections and in correction of deformities in the limbs. However, since this method is a surgical procedure, it also brings risks and must be applied correctly.

What is the Difference of Ilizarov Surgery from Other Methods?

Ilizarov surgery is different from other bone surgery techniques because the system is like a puzzle. You can perform all the operations you see fit in line with your imagination without changing the basic surgical principles.

Ilizarov surgery differs from traditional bone treatment methods because it does not require the placement of a plate or nail-in-bone directly over the broken bones. Instead, the treatment is performed with the dynamic system created by fixing the wires passed through the bones to the frame set up with metal rings and rods we call rot.

What are the areas where Ilizarov surgery is used?

The areas where Ilizarov surgery is used are as follows;

• Open bone fractures, multi-component fractures with bone loss
• Fractures with skin and soft tissue problems
• Fractures with delayed union or union problems
• Congenital or acquired bone deformities (deformities)
• Bone infections
• Joint contractures (joint frostbite)
• Length differences in the extremities, short stature
• Situations where other orthopedic surgical methods are unsuccessful or unsuitable

Are There Any Age Ranges In Which Ilizarov Surgery Is Restricted?

Ilizarov surgery can generally be performed on patients of all ages without age-related restrictions. The treatment plan is determined by considering the condition of each patient, treatment options and risks. Ilizarov surgery, which is performed with regional anesthesia in high-risk hip fractures that cannot receive anesthesia, especially in advanced ages, is of great importance for the patient to stand up in the early period. Ilizarov surgery can also be applied in children, and Ilizarov surgery in children is frequently used for reasons such as correction or lengthening of bone deformities.

Who Can Perform Ilizarov Surgery?

It is important that orthopedics and traumatology specialists who perform Ilizarov surgery are specialized and advanced in this field.

Ilizarov surgery is usually performed in collaboration with a large multidisciplinary team. This team may include surgeons, physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists, infection control specialists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Since Ilizarov surgery can treat some bone problems that cannot be treated surgically, it is important that specialists dealing with such problems have knowledge of Ilizarov surgery.

Is Ilizarov Surgery an Expensive Procedure?

Ilizarov surgery may take longer than other surgical procedures and may require additional costs such as use of the device, regular check-ups and physiotherapy sessions. However, the cost may vary depending on the patient's condition, the complexity of the treatment, the materials used and other factors.

Ilizarov surgery may be less expensive than other treatment options in some cases. For example, depending on the region where the surgery is performed, using the Ilizarov device instead of the prosthesis may reduce the cost of the patient's treatment.