About Ilizarov technique in brief

Ilizarov Method is a low invasive technique. It means that all manipulations are done through small incisions (1-1.5 cm) and all soft and bone tissues are damaged as little as possible. After operation the limb is fixed with an external device (Ilizarov apparatus), which is removed after the end of treatment. No metal remains inside the body and that is the great difference versus internal fixation. Complications are very rare, and if they happen they are temporary and do not influence the final result of treatment because the doctor can control the postoperative care and make corrections during the whole treatment without additional operation, which is impossible with conservative or internal techniques. Our patients start walking on the next day after the operation. They do not keep to bed, they are active during the whole treatment. Experienced instructors of the physical exercise therapy department supervise them during exercising (tour around the Center, department of remedial gymnastics).

"What method do you use for height increase?"

Height increase is carried out with the Ilizarov apparatus for external fixation. This method was developed in Kurgan, Russia. It is a universally recognized optimal method for height increase because it is low invasive, it allows control of the lengthening process and prevention of complications. Surgeons of the Ilizarov Center have a many-year unique experience of limb lengthening in over 5000 patients.

"How long does a 6-8 cm lengthening take and how is it done?"

6-8 cm elongation takes approximately 5.5-6.5 months. It is done through the tibias (lower legs). Lengthening (distraction) stage starts in 5-7 days after the operation and lasts for 2.5-3 months. The rate of lengthening is 1 mm per day. After this there is a fixation stage for approximately 2.5 months. During this time the newly formed bone gets mature. Patients are active during the whole period of treatment: they walk and do physical exercises.

"How long does a 12-15 cm lengthening take and how is it done?"

12-15 cm lengthening is done in two stages: tibias are lengthened to 8-9 cm at the first stage and femurs are lengthened.

"Why do patients prefer your Center?"

Our Center is the biggest trauma and orthopaedic Center in the world specialized on Ilizarov technique. Ilizarov method was developed here and we keep on working on its improvement and development of new techniques. We created a treatment and rehabilitation system that allows simultaneous postoperative care and rehabilitation (walking, exercising muscles and joints). Our patients stay at the hospital during the whole period of treatment under care of a highly experienced medical staff.

"When do patients start walking?"

Our patients start walking with crutches on the next day after the operation.

"How reliable is the method?"

The treatment result depends on the experience of a doctor. Doctors of our Center have a many-year experience with the Ilizarov method. All our final results are positive.

"Do scars remain after the treatment?"

The Ilizarov method is a low invasive method. After treatment there are small skin scars (1-1.5cm), which can be easily removed by a plastic surgeon if a patient wishes to do it. Such a plastic surgeon works at the Ilizarov Center.

"What are possible complications?"

Any surgery has a certain risk. The possible complications are: wire-track infection, limited range of motions in the knees. The complications are temporary and do not influence the final result of treatment.

"Is applying of Ilizarov method painful?"

There is moderate pain during the lengthening (distraction) period, but patients can tolerate it rather well.

"Are there any contraindications for the treatment?"

The contraindications are: alcoholism, narcotic addiction, mental diseases, venereal diseases, some infection, hematological and skin diseases.

"Can I go in for sports after such an operation?"

Function of muscles and joints returns back to normal completely after the end of rehabilitation period. Usual bone forms, which is able to stand all static and dynamic stress. After height increase you will preserve your physical condition and will be able to go in for sports (even professionals) without any restrictions.

"Can the shape of legs be corrected at the same time with lengthening?"

Certainly. You can lengthen legs and correct their shape at our Center. It is done simultaneously. In our Center there is the department of growth regulation and cosmetic surgery, which is engaged to such operations.

"Are there any investigations regarding human body proportions? Won't leg lengthening break the body proportions?"

There are rather many investigations on human body proportions. The library of the Ilizarov Center contains over 1000 of them. Besides, the experience of our doctors is the most valuable in planning of height correction. It provides with individual approach to every patient.