title: The results of treatment of bone defects and non-union within the femoral shaft with shortening of femur using Ilizarov method.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The non-union within the femur with shortening of the limb as a consequence of trauma is an indication to choose external stabilisation as a method of treatment for that reason, that healing of the bone and surrounded soft tissues is disordered.
  
  
  METHODS
  Authors discuss the results of treatment of 16 patients with post-traumatic bone defect and pseudarthroses with femur shortening. The injury was located in femur shaft in 8 cases, distal epiphysis in 5 cases and proximal epiphysis in 3 cases. 11 patients were treated in one stage, 4 patients were treated in two stages and 1 was held in three stages. First operation was made for achievement of union in place of bone loss or pseudarthrosis- the second and third- for elongation and correction of the axis of the femur. The follow-up consisted of 10 patients. In most cases subjective and objective improvement was achieved.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bone union was reached in 15 patients and in 1 case pseudarthrosis was observed. Patients who were considered to have next procedures due to remaining femur shortening or other limb deformity didn't see necessity of following treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the current study indicated that Ilizarov's method can be successfully used in most patients with post-traumatic bone defect and pseudarthrosis with femur shortening. The method allows to reach the bone union, correct the deformity and lengthen the limb as well, what need mostly multi-stage treatment.
authors: Katedra i Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narzadów Ruchu Akademii Medycznej we Wrocław, Poland. lmoras@o2.pl
authors: Leszek
authors: L
authors: Morasiewicz
authors: Wiktor
authors: W
authors: Orzechowski
authors: Mirosław
authors: M
authors: Kulej
authors: Marek
authors: M
authors: Stepniewski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008875:Middle Aged; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome