Treatment of III degree clubfoot in adolescents with Ilizarov technique and limited external fixator methods

Objective To explore the clinical effect of Ilizarov technique combined with external fixator in treatment ofⅢ degree clubfoot in adolescents. Methods Ilizarov technique and limited external fixator were used for treating 12adolescent Ⅲ degree clubfoot patients( 17 feet). External fixator was weared postoperatively. Results All 12 cases were followed up for 12 ~ 49 months. The time of wearing external fixator was 8 ~ 12 weeks. The satisfactory correction and foot function were achieved. Osteotomy were bone healing,the function of foot waling was well. According to International Clubfoot Study Group( ICFSG) score,the results were excellent in 10 feet,good in 6,and fair in 1. No serious complications was occurred. Conclusions Combined limited methods with Ilizarov technique for treatment ofⅢ degree clubfoot in adolescents is accord with individualization and minimally invasive surgical principle. A satisfactory correction which is unattainable by traditional orthopedic surgery is obtained.