question to veterans about classic Illizarov.

Edit Post

Hi, i am planning to do tibia 6cm  max with classic Illizarov in Russia.
I am still doubt, maybe someone can give me some advise:
1. I am afraid about infections. Hove are they common with this method? and Can it lead to weelchair or amputation?
2. how common is nonunion?   Still dont understand why its appear, coz of fast rate of dictation or not rigid fixation ?
Have read stories about Rocky and Unicorn. Now a bit afraid of it.

Edit Post

infections not common - treated with saline drip - essential to keep areas very clean of course, bandages also protect entry points...

non-union not common at all - follow doctor's advice...

perhaps read a little more medical literature re ilizarov and it will ease ur mind a touch 

Edit Post

Quote from: bobbybr21 on June 01, 2021, 12:20:37 PMHi, i am planning to do tibia 6cm  max with classic Illizarov in Russia.
I am still doubt, maybe someone can give me some advise:
1. I am afraid about infections. Hove are they common with this method? and Can it lead to weelchair or amputation?
2. how common is nonunion?   Still dont understand why its appear, coz of fast rate of dictation or not rigid fixation ?
Have read stories about Rocky and Unicorn. Now a bit afraid of it.

The worst that can happen is usually the firsy 2-10 days, it’s unlikely however. The hospital usually prepares you for it. Fat embolism is worst but most doctors use venting technique to prevent it. Then compartment syndrome is another serious complication but again very rare, and there are methods to prevent but if it does happen you would need a fasciotomy. Then the last one is thrombosis, I had to take a stomach needle by my belly button the first ten days after discharge which is a anticoagulant/blood thinner to prevent it and blood clots. These complications are very rare just follow the doctors advices and make sure the doctor is skilled

Edit Post

do you think classic Illizarov is good way to do tibias?

Edit Post

Quote from: Activatedxx on June 01, 2021, 12:43:49 PM
The worst that can happen is usually the firsy 2-10 days, it’s unlikely however. The hospital usually prepares you for it. Fat embolism is worst but most doctors use venting technique to prevent it. Then compartment syndrome is another serious complication but again very rare, and there are methods to prevent but if it does happen you would need a fasciotomy. Then the last one is thrombosis, I had to take a stomach needle by my belly button the first ten days after discharge which is a anticoagulant/blood thinner to prevent it and blood clots. These complications are very rare just follow the doctors advices and make sure the doctor is skilled

i heard that fat embolism relate only to internals and to femurs. Is it also actual for external tibias? and the same for thrombosis.

Edit Post

classic ilizarov is the best and safest way to do tibias - imo

Edit Post

Quote from: th on June 01, 2021, 01:12:53 PMclassic ilizarov is the best and safest way to do tibias - imo

i thought internals femurs if the safest.

Edit Post

the original poster is asking about tibias...

Edit Post

Quote from: bobbybr21 on June 01, 2021, 01:30:07 PMi thought internals femurs if the safest.

No, internal femurs is safe but the most comfortable,  externals with no nails is actually best safest method but who’s willing to wear a fixator on femurs or tibia for 6-9 months
Very few

Edit Post

Do you think it's not dangerous when you have open skin wounds due to rods connected directly to bone ?
I am afraid of it can lead to osteomyelitis?

Does it matter on how to lengthen,  in terms complications/risks ratio ?
For example if I will go for 3 cm it will be the same like 5 cm relating to complications ? Or its influence on on recovery time ?