There has been a huge interest in the personality of Professor G. A. Ilizarov, a talented scientist and inventor, an outstanding doctor, a Man with a capital M, a man of peace, as they now say about people whose contribution to the development of society is of enormous importance on the part of scientists, writers, and journalists and it remains popular nowadays, when he has not been among us for almost 30 years.

The Ilizarov technology was honored as a "milestone" in the history of orthopedics in the 20th century, benefiting tens of thousands of patients around the world, including Chinese patients. The paper presents an analysis of the integration of the method into Chinese medicine, taking into account national traditions, culture and clinical thinking. Ilizarov technology has revolutionized the orthopaedic surgery and clinical limb regeneration medicine in China.Ilizarov's methodology arose suddenly and brought about revolutionary changes in terms of theoretical guidance, methods of thinking, tools used and medical procedures. For the first time, Ilizarov's discovery made people realize that the human body, natural selection in biology and joint symbiotic evolutionary characteristics are common, namely, as long as the levers activate the tissue regeneration switch and changes in regulation, any tissue at any age and to any degree can complete the self-healing process in according to the requirements of doctors and the expectations of patients, similar to the growth of children. The process of working with an external Ilizarov fixator is like playing chess and changing a kaleidoscope, and the countless number of free combinations of stress configurations can be changed in accordance with the needs of the treatment. In China, Qin Xihe integrated the Chinese culture into the Ilizarov technology, thus forming the Chinese Ilizarov technology. He proposed new concepts such as the concept of natural reconstruction, evolutionary orthopedics, interpretation of body language, one walk, two lines, the principle of three balances, happy orthopedics, etc., which were introduced into clinical practice in the field of limb deformity correction and functional reconstruction. As of December 31, 2018, 35,075 cases of various deformities and disorders of the limbs were entered into the Qinsihe orthopedic database, of which 8113 cases were treated with external fixation (Ilizarov technology). The statistics of a large number of cases showed striking results: diseases treated with this technique covered almost all sections of orthopedic pathology and more than 10 sections of non-orthopedic and traumatological pathology, including vascular, nervous, genetic, metabolic, and skin diseases. In addition to orthopedic, there are more than 170 diseases in total. When Ilizarov's technology is applied, it can magically transform the old into the young. Therefore it is known as a "lifeboat". Conclusion Over the past 70 years, Ilizarov's ideas and technologies have been preserved, updated and augmented. Ilizarov's technology serves as an evolutionary phenomenon that transcends bone science. If you understand this technique, you will understand the direction of modern orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine. Professor Ilizarov's morale and the spirit of fighting to alleviate the suffering of patients were transferred to the Chinese medical community. This awakened many Chinese doctors who followed the norms of the old and stereotyped medicine. After celebrating the centenary of the birth of Professor Ilizarov, ASAMI China will also prepare for the “Sixth ASAMI and ILLRS-BR World Conference (Beijing – 2023)”. We believe that orthopedics and allied disciplines around the world have a bright future.

The understanding of Ilizarov’s biological principles is guiding clinical treatment. Ilizarov’s First Principle of Biology, Distraction Histogenesis, is a fundamental guidance for bone lengthening. The “Harbin Phenomenon” is an extension of “Transformation Histogenesis”, which was discovered by bone transport for bone defects treatment. It describes the transformation and regeneration capacities of scar tissues under slow and rhythmic distraction, and this transformation satisfies the morphological and functional requirements. This principle is a supplement to the first principle, and could be Ilizarov’s Second Principle of Biology. Together they form the basis to guide clinical bone transport treatment.

Hand surgery has its own history in each country which is done by outstanding doctors and scientists. Аcademician G.A. Ilizarov, the founder of transosseous osteosynthesis, is one of such personalities.

Purpose of the work. To analyze the stages of development and application of transosseous osteosynthesis in hand surgery, proposed by Academician G.A. Ilizarov.

Methods. The process of creation and development of transosseous osteosynthesis for short tubular bones was analyzed. We present the main designs and developers of the inventions related to extrafocal osteosynthesis of hand bones. The structural divisions of the Ilizarov Center, in which medical care was provided to the patients with hand pathology, were stated.

Results. The entire existence and active use of the Ilizarov mini-fixator can be represented by five periods, starting from the period of comprehending the need for its design. Currently, we are in the period of its combined use in conjunction with the reconstruction of hand soft tissues.

Conclusion. The names of scientists who have made a significant contribution to the development of the Ilizarov method of transosseous osteosynthesis for the hand surgery were given in the final summary. Thanks to the results of their work, we have the opportunity to further develop hand surgery in accordance with the contemporary scientific requirements.

Background. The article reviews the history of the study, development and application of the method of transosseous osteosynthesis in the Middle Urals. G.A. Ilizarov first presented his device and the results of its use in fracture repair at a meeting of the Trauma and Orthopedic Scientific Society in Sverdlovsk in December 1952. The report was met with great interest. Prof. F.R. Bogdanov invited him to conduct research on bone regeneration during compression osteosynthesis at the Ural Research Institute for Trauma and Orthopaedics. The work initiated by G.A. Ilizarov and V.I. Stetsula gave rise to a large and longterm research on transosseous osteosynthesis at the Institute. The study focused on regeneration of bone, muscles, blood vessels and nerves, development and justification of compression-distraction osteosynthesis in fractures, limb shortening, nonunions, bone deformities, severe injuries to the pelvis, spine and spinal cord. Basic research was conducted to explore the role of the blood system and immune reactions involved in bone formation during limb lengthening.

Material and methods. Databases of scientific works and technical solutions registered with authorship certificates and patents of the USSR and the Russian Federation by fellow workers of the VOSKHITO, SNIITO, the Ural Research Institute for Trauma and Orthopaedics, the holdings of the Institute's scientific archive facility were used for the article. The search depth is 68 years.

Results. The Ural V.D. Chaklin Research Institute for Trauma and Orthopaedics has been studying and using the method of G.A. Ilizarov for many years and has made a significant contribution through theoretical rationale, development of new technologies of transosseous osteosynthesis, introduction and spread of the techniques over the vast territory of the Middle Urals and neighboring regions.

Conclusion. Despite the fact that in the recent years, transosseous osteosynthesis has to a certain extent been replaced in Russia by modern techniques with constructs of internal osteosynthesis, but there is no alternative to the method of G.A. Ilizarov in the treatment of gunshot wounds, open fractures, polytrauma, extensive bone defects, achondroplasia and many other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Introduction .Fractures of the tibial plateau are classified by the location of the fracture line, associated capsular ligamentous injuries to the knee and can result from different types of high – or low-energy mechanisms of injury in patients of any age with different bone quality. These factors are responsible for different long-term functional outcomes and the lack of a generally accepted algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. The objective of the study was to analyze the long-term functional outcomes in patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixation.

Material and methods. The review included long-term outcomes of 59 patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Long-term results were evaluated in 53 patients out of 59 (89.83 %) using a subjective and objective clinical assessment system.The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 4 years. Patients were requested to complete the Oxford Knee Score questionnaire used in subjective outcome.

Results. Knee joint function of patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with the Ilizarov external fixation were rated as satisfactory (n = 34; 64.15 %); 16 (30.19 %) and 3 (5.66 %) patients were diagnosed with mild and moderate gonarthrosis, respectively. No infection that would affect the outcome was recorded in the study group. The mean Oxford Knee Score was 43.06 ± 3.44 (SD) in Schatzker type I split fractures of the lateral femoral condyle; 40.50 ± 5.57 (SD) in Schatzker type II split fractures combined with lateral articular surface depression; 40.71 ± 4.27 (SD) in Schatzker type III depression fractures; 42.33 ± 4.22 (SD) in Schatzker type IV medial condylar fractures; 38.50 ± 7.19 (SD) in Schatzker type V bicondylar fractures and 37.50 ± 5.17 (SD) in Schatzker type VI bicondylar fractures with dissociation of the metaphysis and diaphysis.

Conclusions. Tibial plateau fractures can be treated with the Ilizarov external fixation and also with the use of screws at any point of time that allows closed or open reduction of the fracture to ensure the early function of the operated limb, stable bone fixation, control of the fixation stiffness at any stage of treatment facilitating good and excellent functional outcomes.

Objective. To evaluate the use of Ilizarov external mini-fixation in the treatment of Monteggia fractures (dislocation of the radial head with an associated fracture of the proximal ulna) in children.

Methods. Children with proximal ulnar fracture were included and underwent fracture reduction surgery with Ilizarov external mini-fixators, followed by immobilization of the supinated forearm with plaster. The reduction was evaluated intra-operatively using arthrography. Mackay criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes at follow-up.

Results. A total of 15 children were included in the study. Mackay efficacy was 100 %, indicating excellent outcomes using the Ilizarov external mini-fixator.

Conclusion. Use of the Ilizarov external mini–fixator is particularly suitable in the treatment of children with comminuted and compression fractures of proximal ulna. It is easy to operate, low invasive and is worthy of promotion.

The Ilizarov external mini-fixator (IEMF) has become an effective tool for the treatment of acute and chronic hand and foot injuries and deformity correction due to its advantages of easy fixation, good holding power, and artful appearance. However, there are relatively few clinical reports on this technique. Materials and methods From June 2019 to March 2021, we preformed IEMF on 113 patients with open phalanx fractures as emergency surgery, and all patients had 3–6 months follow-up. Results All fractures achieved clinical healing. Among them, pin site infection occurred in 8 fractures (7.07 %), arthrolysis occurred after 6 fractures (5.3 %), and 4° rotation malunion occurred in 3 cases (2.65 %).

Introduction. There is a lack of studies analyzing the molecular aspects of body functioning in purulent complications of bone tissue.

The purpose of the review was to explore the serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with high-energy trauma complicated with infection.

Material and methods. The study included 36 individuals who sustained a high-energy injury. The participants were identified as no-infection patients (Group I) and those who developed infection during treatment (Group II). Enzyme immunoassay was employed to quantify VEGF with Thermofisher immunoassay analyzer (USA). The study was performed according to the methodology from the R and D Systems kit manual (Angiopoietin-1 and -2 (Ang-1, Ang-2)), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB), Invitrogen (epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), RayBiotech (macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), Biomerika Inc. (Calcitonin-calciotonin) USA) and Immunodiagnostic (bone sialoprotein (BSP) (Germany). HITACHI HI Vision Avius ultrasound scanner was used to explore vessels of the soft tissues and the periosteum at the site of regeneration (defect).

Results. There were no differences in the serum growth factor levels among the participants by gender. Patients of Group II showed 60% reduction in the Ang-2 and VEGF concentration as compared with that in the no-infection group. The serum EGF concentration was 1.6 times higher in individuals suffering from complications of high-energy trauma than in no-infection patients. There were no significant differences in platelet-derived growth factor PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB between the groups. Сhanges in the VEGF concentration were confirmed by the results of Doppler ultrasonography.

Conclusion. The findings suggest that the VEGFs examined can be additional diagnostic and prognostic markers for the cohort of patients.

Objective. To investigate the incidence characteristics and corrective strategies of various limb deformities treated by Qinsihe orthopaedic team in the past 40 years, so as to provide a large sample for understanding the causes, types and treatment methods of limb deformity and disability in China.

Method. A total of 35,075 cases were treated by Qinsihe orthopaedic team from May 1978 to December 2018. The age, gender, deformity characteristics, etiological and pathological composition, regional distribution and surgical methods of the patients were statistically analyzed.

Results. There were 20,458 males and 14,617 females. The age was 1 year to 82 years old, average 20.5 years. The majority of subjects were from 11 to 25 years old or 19,363 cases (63 %). There were 33,259 cases (94.82 %) of interventions on lower extremity. The geographical distribution of patients covers all the provinces, municipalities directly under the central government, autonomous regions in China and 12 foreign countries. There were 202 etiologies involving neurological, heredity, metabolism, traumatic sequelae, congenital, vascular, lymphoid, skin, endocrine, iatrogenic and so on. The top six deformities were due to poliomyelitis sequelae, cerebral palsy, traumatic sequelae, spondylolysis sequelae, genu varus and valgus, congenital talipes equinovarus. There were 280 kinds of surgical methods, the majority of which were Achilles tendon lengthening, supracondylar osteotomy, subtalar joint arthrodesis, tibiofibular osteotomy, metatarsal aponeurosis and Achilles tendon replacement of peroneal longus muscle, etc. 8,702 cases were treated by orthopedic surgery combined with external fixation, including the Ilizarov fixator in 3,696 cases and hybrid fixator in 5,006 cases.

Conclusion. Qinsihe orthopaedic database with a history of 40 years is the largest one of limb deformity and disability in China. It reflects the etiology, type, population characteristics, surgical methods and strategy of limb disability and deformity, which can be treated by orthopaedic surgery. The data is a great treasure for orthopaedics and disability medicine in China and worldwide, and its important academic value and historical significance need to be further excavated and deep studied in future.

Introduction. Traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder usually results in chronic recurrent shoulder instability, especially in young adults. To reduce the rate of recurrent dislocations, various options of osteoplastic operations have been proposed.

The purpose of our study is to determine the significance of anatomical and functional disorders in patients with anterior shoulder joint instability; to evaluate the results of the methods for surgical treatment of patients with anterior recurrent instability of the shoulder joint, depending on the anatomical and functional disorders.

Materials and methods. The results of diagnostic examination and treatment of 169 patients with recurrent post-traumatic dislocation of the shoulder who were operated on at the Federal State Budgetary Organization “Federal Center for Traumatology, Orthopedics and Arthroplasty” (Cheboksary) were analyzed. The average age of patients was 31.1 ± 13.1 years; the average period of postoperative follow-up was 49.5 ± 24.0 months. Clinical data were assessed by angulometry, using the ROWE, ASES, UCLA, VAS scales. The size of bone defects was determined using radiological methods. 99 patients (58.6 %) underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair, 24 patients (14.2 %) with more than 15 % anterior glenoid bone defect underwent Latarjet operation. Bankart + Remplissage surgery was performed in 39 patients (23.1 %), Latarjet + Remplissage in 7 (4.1 %) patients.

Results. Bone defect of the glenoid of more than 15 % of the area was detected in 32 patients. Hill-Sachs grade 3 injury was reported in 24 patients. Most of these patients had a history of more than 20 dislocation episodes. Hyperelasticity of the shoulder joint was found in 34 patients. In the postoperative period, there was a slight improvement in the mean indicators of flexion and abduction in the shoulder joint from 174.2 ± 15.9° and 170.6 ± 17.8° to 175.6 ± 9.3° and 173.0 ± 12.3°, respectively. The mean external rotation worsened from 61.6 ± 25.7° to 55.9 ± 14.4°. Indicators of the ROWE, ASES, UCLA rating scales improved significantly from 38.5 ± 8.5, 76.0 ± 13.2 and 20.8 ± 3.0 to 89.9 ± 17.5, 94.0 ± 7.1 and 32.7 ± 3.7 points, respectively. Poor results were observed in 7 patients (4.1 %), of which three had a relapse.

Conclusions. Critically significant anatomical and functional disorders in patients with anterior instability of the shoulder joint are the defect of the anterior rim of the articular process of the scapula more than 15 %, the defect of the posterior surface of the humeral head (Hill-Sachs defect) of grade 3, hyperelasticity of the soft tissues of the shoulder joint. The severity of bone defects is directly proportional to the total number of dislocations. The effectiveness of surgical techniques for stabilizing the shoulder joint, depending on the above anatomical and functional disorders, was 95.9 %.

Introduction. The possibility of gradual closed reduction of hip dislocation in children over 1.5 years old is considered doubtful.

Purpose. Analysis of long-term results of applying the Ilizarov technique of gradual closed reduction in combination with the reconstruction of the hip joint components.

Methods. The outcomes of treatment of 62 children (81 joints) with congenital hip dislocation in the follow-up period from 5 to 16 years were studied. The treatment method included closed reduction of the dislocation using the technology proposed by G.A. Ilizarov and subsequent reconstruction of the joint components. The patients are divided into two groups based on their age. The first group included 33 patients (43 joints) under the age of 5 years. The second group consisted of 29 patients (38 joints) aged 5–8 years.

Results. Closed reduction failed in five cases. The recurrence of dislocation after closed reduction was 5.3 %. The rate of aseptic necrosis after closed reduction was 9.7 %. Good functional outcomes were reported in 87.7 %. They were significantly better in the younger group. The proportion of good anatomical results did not depend on age and was 77 % in general. Poor results were obtained in 8.8 %.

Conclusion. The anatomical and functional outcomes and the number of complications by using the technique described were comparable to other methods of gradual closed reduction of hip dislocation. But the technique we have described expands the age restrictions for its use.

Introduction. Whereas hip joint destroying trauma and diseases are difficult situations, the problem is more complex when it is complicated by hip instability. This could be a sequel of several hip affections such as trauma, septic or tuberculous arthritis, neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip, postoperative conditions, and neurologic pathologies (cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, poliomyelitis).

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term radiographic and clinical outcomes of the Ilizarov hip reconstruction for the treatment of painful and unstable hips in adolescents and young adults.

Materials and methods. The study included 136 patients with an average age of 18.3 years (range, 6 to 34 years); 75 patients were males (55.1%) and 61 females (44.9%). The primary causes of the hip instability were untreated or unsuccessfully treated cases of septic arthritis (40 cases; 29.4 %), congenital hip dislocation (28 cases; 20.6 %), paralytic hip dislocation (36 cases; 26.5 %), proximal femoral focal deficiency (14 cases; 10.3 %), neglected fracture of the femoral neck (10 cases; 7.4 %), osteoarthritis (6 cases; 4.4 %), and tuberculous hip arthritis (2 cases; 1.5 %). The intervention consisted in the performance of two osteotomies (proximal and distal) of the femur with pelviс support and placement of the Ilizarov apparatus of a specific assembly.

Results. The external fixation period ranged from 4 to 12 months (6.5 months on average). Patients were followed up for an average of 17.4 years (range, 5 to 27 years). Multiple clinical parameters at final follow-ups showed significant improvement, including pain relief, pain-free walking distance, lameness, hip flexion and abduction, hip contracture, and lumbar lordosis. Functionally, the mean Harris Hip Score improved with a statistically significant difference from 48 points (range, 35–65) before surgery to 83 points (range 70–90) after surgery. The pain disappeared in all patients, with the exception of six cases of pain in the early postoperative period. In all cases, supportive walking aids were no longer necessary, with the exception of two cases of persistent pain by physical activities. Walking ability and painless walking distance improved in all patients from an average of 35 m (range, 10 to 50 m) before surgery to 1,150 m (range, 1,000 to 1,500 m) after surgery, showing significant difference.

Conclusion. Ilizarov pelvic support osteotomy provided a multi-purpose solution to the complex challenging problem of hip instability in adolescents and young adults with variable primary etiologies. The improvements in the hip motion, mechanical axis, and correction of limb-length discrepancy lead to good functional outcomes over a long-term follow-up. This treatment modality might avoid or postpone the need for total hip arthroplasty for several years.

Fibrous dysplasia is a pathological condition, where normal medullary bone is replaced by fibrous tissue and small woven specules of bone. Fibrous dysplasia can occur in epiphysis, metaphysis or diaphysis. Occasionally, biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis. We present a review of operative treatment using the Ilizarov technique.

The Ponseti method has revolutionized clubfoot treatment. Though completely neglected clubfeet are now rare, partially or incompletely and improperly treated feet are not uncommon. Relapses after successful correction may occur due to non-compliance with bracing. In scarred soft tissues due to previous surgery, soft tissue distraction using external fixation helps achieve correction. The Ilizarov fixator permits us to follow the Ponseti protocol, using correction methods that may either be constrained or unconstrained by hinges. Applying force vectors perpendicular to the moment arm allows us to correct the еquinus without damaging the ankle joint. All of the above is possible when the talus is round. Full correction of the deformity is possible. However, longterm follow-up of these patients has revealed stiffness of the ankle setting and frequently with tibio-talar osteophytes anteriorly. They are probably a reaction to excessive pressure developed in the joint due to the tight soft tissues. Hence the author has now added a mild shortening of the tibia and fibula to reduce soft tissue tension, rather than resorting to further soft tissue releases through scarred tissues. This allows faster correction with the Ponseti-Ilizarov protocol and allows good ankle range of motion to persist.

Background. Height increase and improvement of body proportions for achondroplasia patients normally require two or more stages of reconstructive treatment to be followed by rehabilitation between lengthening periods, and growth correction can take a significant part of life in the cohort of patients. What is the best age to start growth correction is an important question.

The purpose of this paper was to present an argument for arranging the first stage of growth correction in achondroplasia patients aged 6–9 years based on the structural and functional muscle evaluation of tibiae to be lengthened.

Material and methods. Achondroplasia patients aged 6–9 years (n = 30) were examined preoperatively, during distraction, fixation and at 1.5 to 2 years of frame removal. Tibial lengthening was produced monofocally and bifocally. Contractile force of the dorsal and plantar flexion muscles of the foot was measured with dynamometer. Ultrasonography of tibial muscles was performed with HITACHI ultrasound imaging device (Japan).

Results. Achondroplasia patients aged 6–9 year who underwent tibial lengthening of at least 50% of the initial length developed neuropathy in 2.6 % of cases and soft tissue inflammation in 5.6 % of cases. Characteristic muscle striation of m. tibialis anterior and m. extensor digitorum longus appeared to restore at 1.5 to 2 years of tibial lengthening with clear contouring of the intermuscular septa and retained contractile force of the muscles. The contractile force restored to 96.15 % of preoperative level in the anterior tibial muscles, and to 101.92 % in the posterior muscles.

Conclusion. The comprehensive clinical, ultrasonographic and dynamometric evaluation of tibial muscles presented a good argument for tibial lengthening in achondroplasia patients aged 6–9 years. Regained muscle striation and spare capacity of m. tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus, the restored force of the anterior tibial muscles to 96.15 % of the preoperative level suggested the possibility for the next stage of growth correction.

Ilizarov’s tibial transverse transport (TTT) technique can promote vascular regeneration. It has been used in the treatment of a variety of lower limb ischemic diseases, such as thromboangiitis obliterans, diabetic foot ulcers, etc. Recently, several novel therapeutic effects have been discovered based on TTT treatment. For instance, in the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans, an “Open Skylight Effect” was well defined in which the symptom of resting pain disappeared following tibial cortex osteotomy (Long Qu, 2001). During the treatment of bilateral diabetic foot gangrene, patients that received TTT treatment on the one side of the lower limb were observed to have a simultaneous healing of ulcers on both sides, which was termed as the “Summon Effect” (Qikai Hua, 2017). In 2019, we characterized the above discoveries as the “Twin Open Skylight and Summon Effects”. These findings will inspire more potential clinical applications of TTT technique.

Purpose. To explore the value of ultrasound in the treatment of bone union at the docking site by accordion technique.

Methods. Sixteen patients were recruited. The accordion operation was performed at the docking site after bone transport. The specific operation process was compression, suspension of adjustment, distraction, retraction. Ultrasound was used to monitor the hematoma, blood flow and callus in and around the docking site at each stage.

Results. (1) At the compression, there were 14 cases with hematoma and 2 cases without hematoma. (2) The size of hematoma was negatively correlated with the bone healing time of the docking site and the blood flow resistance index. (3) The Adler grading of blood flow gradually increased before the retraction, and then gradually decreased. But the degree of callus mineralization continued to rise.

Conclusion. (1) Ultrasound can dynamically monitor the change trend of hematoma, blood flow and new callus at the docking site during accordion operation, so as to predict the tendency of bone healing at the docking site. (2) This study can preliminarily demonstrate that the compression stress applied in accordion technique can promote the bone healing at the docking site.

Introduction. Diseases related to the lesions of upper or lower motor neurons, such as spina bifida, myopathy, and residual polio, often cause severe deformities of the foot and ankle. The treatment goal is to convert a deformed and rigid foot into a plantigrade foot.

Matherial and method. We treated 51 neurological feet from 2001 to 2018 with the Ilizarov method. They were polio outcomes in 27 cases, 17 feet were affected by spina bifida, 6 other patients had Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Results. Results were assessed by comparing appearance and function before and after surgery described by Dimeglio, and modified by Dong Y.L. et al. Before surgery, there were 33 moderate and 28 severe deformities (average preoperative scores, 6.3). The mean time required to correct a deformity was 37.1 days (range, 22–58 days) and the mean time for stabilization was 67.2 days (range, 45–98 days). At latest follow-up (mean 7.42 years, from 13 month to 16 years), clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction were considered acceptable. 28 patients achieved an excellent outcome and 21 patients had a good outcome, two feet were classified as having a poor result. Nearly 86 % of patients (44 patients) were satisfied with their outcomes and replied they would repeat their procedure. Complications include infection in 15 % of K-wire tracts, Dysesthesia in 5 cases, superficial necrosis in 3. One patient developed knee contracture. 2 patients were re-operated with V osteotomy.

Conclusions. The Ilizarov method represents a great resource in the treatment of severe neurological deformities of the foot.

Introduction. Patients who want their leg shape changed often identify the O- or X-shaped legs with varus or valgus deformity striving for ideally shaped legs as classified by A. A. Artemiev.

The purpose of the study was to compare changes in the relationship between reference lines as mechanical axis deviation (MAD), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), mechanical lateral distal tibial angle (mLDTA) and the associated duration of the correction (CP), fixation (FP) and frame-on periods (FoP) in patients who underwent correction to have the legs shape as requested and those who underwent tibial deformity correction.

Material and methods. There were 43 patients (84 segments operated on) in the cosmesis group and 15 participants (28 segments operated on) in orthopedic group. Preperative MAD, mMPTA, mLDTA measured 17.48 ± 1.14 mm medially, 84.90 ± 0.35° and 90.61 ± 0.39° in the cosmesis patients; 19.18 ± 2.86 mm medially, 84.04 ± 0.35°, 89.09 ± 0.37° in orthopaedic patients with no statistically significant differences observed between the groups.

Results. CP, FP and FoP lasted for 41.93 ± 3.96, 97.67 ± 7.78 and 139.60 ± 5.15 days in the cosmesis group, and 18.22 ± 3.05, 134.89 ± 9.42 and 153.00 ± 8.49 in controls. FP/CP, CP/FoP, FP/FoP measured 0.57 ≈ 1/2, 0.31 ≈ 1/3, 0.69 ≈ 2/3 in the cosmesis group and 0.15 ≈ 1/7; 0.12 ≈ 1/8; 0.88 ≈ 7/8 in controls. MAD, mMPTA, mLDTA measured 6.08 ± 0.87 mm laterally, 90.80 ± 0.31°, 88.62 ± 0.35° in the cosmesis participants, and 0.61 ± 0.82 mm laterally, 89.46 ± 0.54°, 87.68 ± 0. 63° in controls.

Discussion. There were no statistically significant differences in FoP with different duration of CP (≈ 1/3 FoP for the cosmesis group and ≈ 1/8 FoP for controls). The means of MAD, mMPTA of measured up to tibial valgus in cosmesis patients and were well within acceptable limits of normal in controls.Tibial valgus was caused by too much overcorrection (by ¼ on average).