Gradual correction of idiopathic genu varum deformity using the Ilizarov technique.
OBJECTIVE
Proximal tibial osteotomy is an effective treatment option for genu varum deformity among the many other described techniques. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the complications in gradual correction of idiopathic genu varum deformity using Ilizarov frame.


METHODS
Proximal tibial medial opening wedge osteotomy was performed in 21 lower limbs of 11 patients, with whom the Ilizarov external fixator was used for gradual correction of the varus deformity. The mean age of the patients was 24.8 years (SD, 5.3). Deformity measurements of conventional mechanical axis deviation, mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, posterior proximal tibial angle, joint conversion angle, tibio-femoral angle and tibial slope were compared.


RESULTS
The mean time for removal of the Ilizarov fixator was 24.7 weeks. At the last follow-up, the mean of Hospital for Special Surgery knee score increased, and the mean mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, tibio-femoral angle and conventional mechanical axis deviation improved. The differences between preoperative and postoperative posterior proximal tibial angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, joint conversion angle and tibial slope were not significant. Ten complications were observed, of which 8 were minor complications and 2 were minor complications.


CONCLUSIONS
With a few complications, normal alignment and orientation of lower extremity can be established in patients with idiopathic genu varum deformity through gradual correction using a Ilizarov fixator.


METHODS
Retrospective case series, Level IV.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute for Rare Diseases, Korea University Medical Center, Guro Hospital, 80, Guro-Dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul 152-703, Korea. joeundr@dreamwiz.com
Young Eun
YE
Park
Sang Heon
SH
Song
Hyeok Nam
HN
Kwon
Mohamed Ahmed
MA
Refai
Kwang Won
KW
Park
Hae Ryong
HR
Song
D005260:Female; D056305:Genu Varum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult