Regenerate Bone Healing According to Osteotomy Methods in Ilizarov lengthening

Choi, Ik Su; Kwon, Oh Young; Kwak, Cheol Ho; Choi, Won Suk; Roh, Su In

Abstract

The Ilizarov technique for gradual distraction osteogenesis was developed in the 1950s. A correctly performed osteotomy is essential to the success of distraction osteogenesis and prepares for limb lengthening. Between Sept. of 1991 and 1994, thirty-four patients were treated by Ilizarov technique at St. Benedict Hosp. and Gang-Dong Hosp.. And then assigned to two separate groups : a corticotomy group (group A) and osteotomy group (group B; osteotomy with Gigli saw or osteotomy with multiple drill holes and osteotome). The regenerate segments were evaluated weekly for the first six weeks after operation. After the initial six-week evaluation period, observations of these segments were continued through a series of monthly radiographs. Distraction began on postoperative day seven in group A and on day eleven in group B; and continued at a rate of 1 mm/day and a frequency of 4 times/day. Group A displayed new bone formation earlier than group B: group A's mean was 16.5 ± 4.9 days, while B's mean was 25.3 ± 4.6 days. The first bridging callus occurred earlier in group A than it did in group B: A's mean was time of 36.7 ± 9.9 days, while B's mean was 44.0 ± 7.9 days. There was no significant difference between groups A & B in terms of first cortical formation : A's mean was 86.9 ± 24.0 days, and B's mean was 100.6 ± 25.2 days. There was no significant difference between groups A & B in terms of the bone healing index : A's mean was 41.6 ± 13.5 days and B's mean was 41.15 ± 8.10 days.