The Ilizarov apparatus (some call it the "Elizarov apparatus") has long been widely used in traumatology. This article will discuss what the Ilizarov apparatus is and in what cases it is used. How to care for him and what complications may arise when using this design.
The Ilizarov apparatus, many say the "Elizarov apparatus": what is it?
The device was invented in 1953 by the great scientist, doctor G.A. Ilizarov. Since then, thanks to this discovery, another era has begun in orthopedics and traumatology.
The Ilizarov apparatus is a compression-distraction design designed for long-term fixation of bones during fractures and their further distraction (extension) or compression (compression).
The device is an iron structure consisting of rings. The needles are fixed to them, which pass through the bone tissue at an angle of 90 degrees. The rings are interconnected using special rods, which can be used to adjust the necessary elongation or compression of the limb.
Destination
Ilizarov’s apparatus (the “Elizarov’s apparatus” is often found) is of great use in many areas of modern medicine:
- in orthopedics - to eliminate various acquired or congenital defects, with bone shortening and deformation of the limbs, post-traumatic consequences (false joints, improperly fused fractures and other defects);
- in traumatology - for the fusion of complex and open fractures;
- in pediatric orthopedics - with systemic deformations of the skeleton (to increase growth), alignment of the legs of different lengths;
- in aesthetic surgery - to increase growth by lengthening the hips and lower leg, getting rid of the curvature of the legs.
Application for fractures
The Ilizarov’s apparatus (or “Elizarov’s apparatus”), although it has a rather simple design, is simply indispensable for treating many people. The use of the design in treatment has helped many to heal complex fractures, straighten deformed bones, and align legs.
When treating any fracture, the structure is on the limb for at least two months. After about two weeks, it is necessary to give a feasible load to the diseased limb. For example, in case of a broken leg, the patient can walk quite normally, in case of a broken arm, he can take light objects.
Treatment
Proper maintenance of the structure will help to avoid many troubles and affect the success of the healing process. If the Ilizarov apparatus (erroneously named “apparatus Elizarova ") on the hand, you can go to the dressing in the local clinic. It’s much harder to visit a health facility for a broken leg. In this case, it is possible to perform the necessary home care on your own.
First of all, you need daily processing of knitting needles. There is always an even number of spokes, up to 12 pieces, respectively, up to 24 outputs. Each knitting needle need to be treated with a 50% alcohol solution (pure alcohol diluted in half with distilled water) or ordinary good quality vodka.
It should be processed not only adjacent to the spoke places, but the entire spoke completely. After processing, a gauze cloth moistened with an alcohol solution or chlorhexidine is applied to the place where the knitting needle comes out.
Problems when using
Basically, problems appear when a load begins to be given to a sick limb. Most often, complications arise with a broken leg: when the patient begins to walk, soft tissues become inflamed in the area of the spokes. This is a spoke infection. It is very important not to start the complication.
If there is a tumor around the knitting needle, redness, pain, purulent discharge, it is necessary to apply a napkin soaked in a solution of dimexide diluted in half with distilled water to the area of inflammation . There is another way - using a hypertonic solution (sodium chloride 10%), which you need to moisten a napkin and cover around the area of inflammation. Hypertonic solution will help relieve inflammation, stretch pus. In case of complications, antibiotics are prescribed along with local dressings.
After removal
After the Ilizarov apparatus (erroneously, the "Elizarov apparatus") is removed, small wounds remain at the exit point of the spokes. They should be treated with disinfectants until they are completely healed. After a few days, the wounds are healed, and a massage can be applied to the sore foot using ointments and creams to relieve swelling (Lyoton, Troxevasin, Troxerutin and others).