Abstract
The Ilizarov method for limb lengthening is rapidly gaining popularity in North America. Use of this new technique has necessitated modifications in radiographic protocol. Initial imaging problems gained from our experience with twenty children are detailed including accurate centering for the plain films, correcting for magnification to accurately measure the distraction gap and the expected radiographic appearance of the regenerate bone. Ultrasonography has potential value in accurately measuring the distraction gap and in imaging the new bone prior to radiographic appearance. Since overly fast distraction inhibits bone formation and overly slow distraction leads to premature consolidation, ultrasound may serve a useful role in the qualitative evaluation of new bone formation in Ilizarov limb lengthening, enabling the orthopedic surgeon to tailor the distraction rate to the particular child.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Ilizarov GA (1973) Operative elongation of the femur. Ortop Travmatol Protez 34: 51
Ilizarov GA (1989) The tension stress effect on the genesis and growth of tissues: Part I. The influence of stability of fixation and soft-tissue preservation. Clin Orthop 238: 249
Ilizarov GA (1989) The tension stress effect on the genesis and growth of tissues: Part II. The influence of the rate and frequency of distraction. Clin Orthop 239: 263
Ilizarov GA (1990) Clinical application of the tension-stress effect for limb lengthening. Clin Orthop 250: 8
Paley D (1988) Current techniques of limb lengthening. J Pediatr Orthop 8: 73
Young JWR, Kostrubiak IS, Resnik CS, Paley D (1990) Sonographic evaluation of bone production at the distraction site in Ilizarov limb-lenghtening procedures. Am J Roentgenol 154: 125
Huppertz R, Pfeil J, Kaps HP (1990) Sonographische Verlaufs-kontrollen von Verlängerungsosteotomien. Z Orthop 128: 90
Galante VN, Angelelli G, Caiaffa V, Macarini L (1989) Il controllo ecografico nei pazienti sottoposti ad allungamento degli arti secondo la metodica di Ilizarov. Minerva Ortop Traumatol 40: 529
Vade A, Eissenstat R (1990) Radiographic features of bone lengthening procedures. Radiology 174: 531
De Bastiani G, Aldegheri R, Renzi-Brivio L, Trivella G (1987) Limb lengthening by callus distraction (callotasis). J Pediatr Orthop 7: 129
Aronson J, Harrison B, Boyd CM, Cannon DJ, Lubansky HJ (1988) Mechanical induction of osteogenesis: the importance of pin rigidity. J Pediatr Orthop 8: 396
Aronson J, Good B, Stewart C, Harrison B, Harp J (1990) Mechanical induction of osteogenesis: the importance of pin rigidity. Clin Orthop 250: 43
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Blane, C.E., Herzenberg, J.E. & DiPietro, M.A. Radiographic imaging for Ilizarov limb lengthening in children. Pediatr Radiol 21, 117–120 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02015621
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02015621