The compression-distraction apparatus or Ilizarov apparatus is designed for rigid fixation of bone fragments, control of the position of bones or their fragments, their compression or vice versa. The effect is achieved by inserting into the bone spokes, which are fixed on the outside on special rigid structures, which are connected together by rods.
Initially Ilizarov's device consisted of four metal spokes, fixed on two rings, which were connected together by mobile rods. In modern medicine, uncomfortable massive rings are replaced by semirings, plates and triangles, most often made of titanium or carbon fiber.
Ilizarov's apparatus is used in traumatology in the treatment of complex fractures, as well as in orthopedics in correcting the curvature of bones, lengthening the legs , correcting other defects.
How do you put Ilizarov's apparatus?
The device is installed only in the hospital, under anesthesia. With the help of a drill through each bone chip spend two spokes at right angles to each other. The ends of the spokes are attached to rings or semirings, which are connected together by mobile rods. By adjusting the length of the rods defining the distance between the rings, compression or stretching is created, the position of bone fragments is adjusted. Also, by gradually increasing the distance (extension), the legs are elongated in orthopedic surgery.
Caring for the Ilizarov machine
Since the spokes of the device pass through all the soft tissues of the limb and come out, if the sanitary norms are not observed, inflammation around the knitting needle can occur. To avoid this, a cloth moistened with an alcohol solution (50% alcohol with 50% distilled water) is applied to each spoke. It is acceptable to use quality alcohol instead of alcohol without additives. Napkins are changed every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks after the application of the device, and then once a week.
In the event that there is redness around any knitting needle, swelling, pain when pressed, purulent discharge, then napkins with a 50% solution of dimexide are applied. If a purulent inflammation has begun, the use of compresses with saline solution has proven successful. To do this, a tablespoon of salt is diluted in a glass of pre-boiled water, cooled and applied to the wound with a dressing with a solution.
In addition, with the first signs of inflammation, you need to see a doctor for a course of antibiotics.
How many go with Ilizarov's apparatus?
Although modern medicine allows you to impose an apparatus Ilizarov almost on any part of the body, most often it is used on the hands and feet.
How much will be worn by Ilizarov's apparatus depends on the complexity of the correction to which the bone is exposed, and on the rate of regeneration of bone tissue, which each individual has. The minimum period, which is usually imposed by the apparatus, is two months. On the tibia with complex fractures, the period of carrying the Ilizarov apparatus can be from 4 to 10 months. When the operation for lengthening the leg or correcting the curvature of the limbs, the period of wearing the device is about 6 months and more.
How to remove the apparatus Ilizarov?
Removal of the device is carried out in hospital, but it is a fairly simple procedure, which is often done without anesthesia. After removing the device in places where the spokes are inserted, there are spot wounds on which it is necessary to apply bandages with dimexide or other disinfectant.
After removing the apparatus on the limb, a fixing langet can be applied to prevent repeated fracture of an insufficiently strengthened bone.
Rehabilitation after the removal of Ilizarov's apparatus is:
- massages;
- physiotherapy;
- Special therapeutic gymnastics for the restoration of normal mobility.
If there is edema, Lioton gel or another preparation can be used to improve blood circulation.