What is the Ilizarov Apparatus?
The Ilizarov apparatus is an important tool used in the repair of numerous types of bone fractures, including those involving the femur. There are countless ways that someone might suffer a severe bone fracture, and like the breaks themselves, the complications can be numerous. Therefore, it is important for surgeons to have access to the proper equipment. This will provide patients with the maximal opportunity for a successful recovery. This is the job of the Ilizarov apparatus.
This device is an external fixator. This means that its job is to hold the limb still while the surgeon operates on the injury location. On the operating table, even though the patient is paralyzed, there is still a chance that the limb might shift. Operating on a moving target is risky and may lead to errant surgical incisions. The Ilizarov apparatus avoids this.
A History of the Ilizarov Apparatus
The apparatus is named after a famous surgeon from the Soviet Union. He developed and pioneered the device back in the 1950s. Initially, the first device was made out of bicycle parts. The famous surgeon treated a well-known athlete from the Soviet Union, who had broken his leg. Despite twenty surgical procedures, his leg had still not healed. With the help of this device, the well-known surgeon was able to repair the malunion in his leg and restore his athletic ability.
The surgeon then used his device to treat a famous Italian journalist who had also broken his leg in a skiing accident. The leg had never healed, and some of the wounds would routinely reopen, leading to serious infectious risks. A local doctor advised his journalist to visit Ilizarov, who was able to correct his broken leg. Due to the fame of the device, the apparatus was brought to the United States.
How the Device Works
The Ilizarov apparatus is in the shape of a ring. The ring has prongs that are used to hold the leg in place. This allows the surgeon to keep the surgical field still while operating on an injured body part. While the device is known for its ability to help with injuries involving the femur, tibia, and fibula, it can be adapted to help with repair injuries in other locations as well.
Two of the main purposes of this device is to correct limb-length discrepancy issues and malunion. Malunion occurs when a bone does not heal properly. If the fragments of the bone are not lined up properly, the fractures will heal in the wrong position. This can lead to prolonged mobility and functional deficits. The limb-length discrepancy occurs when the legs are not even. This can make it hard for someone to walk properly and can lead to back issues, such as scoliosis.
Advantages Over the Alternatives
The Ilizarov apparatus is popular because it has several advantages over an internal fixator. If an internal fixator is used, this increases the risk of infection. Furthermore, in some cases, the fractures are so bad that using an internal fixator is simply impractical with all of the different fragments.
The Ilizarov apparatus has been around for decades; however, it is still popular today. This device has provided hope to countless people who have suffered severe femur fractures and are hoping to regain mobility and functionality in their leg.
Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Femur Fracture Lawyer in Sacramento. The Ilizarov apparatus can play an important role in helping someone recover following a femur fracture. If someone you care about has had issues recovering from a femur fracture due to the negligence of another person or entity, call me as soon as possible at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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