Simultaneous joint arthrodesis and bone lengthening by the Ilizarov method (a case report)

Abstract

Large osteoarticular defects of the extremities are challenge cases in orthopaedic surgery. Although there are several conventional treatment options for this kind of skeletal defects, the rate of success is low. We report the case of a 48-year-old patient in whom a large 'osteoarticular defect including the whole distal tibia, distal fibula and talar dome of the right leg, due to a gunshot injury, was treated with tibial lengthening and tibiotalar fusion by the Ilizarov method. Selected treatment was not just a simultaneous arthrodesis and limb lengthening procedure. Whole distal tibia and ankle region was simultaneously reconstructed using tibiotalar fusion and proximal tibial lengthening. The Ilizarov method is the most important alternative for the orthopaedic surgeon in the reconstruction of large osteoarticular defects of the skeleton.