Diagnostic imaging in the planning and monitoring of limb lengthening by the Ilizarov method.
Limb lengthening is a long and complicated process, and therefore requires monitoring by use of imaging methods. In planning the application of the Ilizarov method, it is essential to consider the pathology as a whole, and not merely the individual symptoms. This is particularly important in generalized defect on bone formation. The baseline clinical and radiological evaluation should elucidate the etiology of deformations and the extent of changes. Routine X ray examinations during limb lengthening (apart from baseline and immediate post-surgery) should be performed after two and four weeks of distraction, and then every month until the Ilizarov apparatus is removed. Bone cross-sections obtained in CT scans enable the evaluation of the rate of bone regeneration and the reconstruction of tubular bone shape. In doubtful situations CT scans of the regenerated bone three months after removal of the apparatus are also recommended.
Klinika Ortopedii i Traumatologii Narzadu Ruchu, Akademia Medyczna, Warszawa.
Jan
J
Swiatkowski
Sławomir
S
Zarek
Jarosław
J
Macias