Melih Cıvan

Hinge Types and Positioning

The difference and advantage of the Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) is the ability to be modified during the operation until the device is removed. The motion of the fragments has some technical terms (e.g., compression, distraction, rotation, translation, angulation).

Sagittal Plane Deformities and Malorientation Test

The knee joint moves in the sagittal plane. For that reason, the knee, hip, and ankle alignment on the sagittal plane varies in walking phases. Although we use the static deformity analysis on the frontal plane, dynamic factors have to be considered for determining sagittal plane deformities. In this chapter sagittal plane deformities and malorientation test will be explained.

Oblique Plane Deformities

The frontal (coronal) and sagittal planes are the standard reference planes. Radiographs that correspond with these planes are AP and lateral X-rays, respectively. If there is an angulation on both frontal and sagittal planes, it means the deformity is on the oblique plane. Deformities other than those on the frontal and sagittal planes are oblique plane deformities. These deformities were previously known as biplanar deformities. However, this description was wrong because they were uniplanar angular deformities in the oblique plane.

K-Wire and Schanz Screw Application Techniques

Ilizarov’s circular external fixator consists of modular and configurable parts. Mechanical stability between bone and fixator comes from K-wires made of flexible and elastic steel. These wires limit the osteonecrosis and cause minimal damage in bone and marrow. In this chapter, application of the K-wires and Schanz screws will be explained. It is the essential skill for the application of the Ilizarov’s method.

Parts of Ilizarov-Type External Fixators

Ilizarov-type circular external fixators are modular systems for multipurpose use that even allows surgeons to make intraoperative changes. In the Ilizarov sets, there are rings, connection apparatus, wires, and screws.

Frontal Plane Deformities and Drawing Axes of the Long Bones

Every long bone has two axes, the anatomic axis and the mechanical axis. In order to have a better understanding before analyzing the deformities, these axes and the relations between them and some terms of use must be understood.

Diaphyseal Deformities of the Tibia

Because of the close relationship with the knee joint, proximal deformities of the tibia will be explained in the chapter on knee deformities. Likewise, distal deformities of the tibia will be explained in the chapter of ankle deformities because of their close relationship. Diaphyseal deformities of the tibia (or bowing deformities) will be explained in this chapter.

External Fixator Use in Femur Diaphysis Fractures

Although it is the strongest bone in the human body, fractures of the femur diaphysis are not rare. The strongest muscles are located around this bone. These muscles may cause prominent displacements depending on the location of the fracture. It has a thick cortical bone and less in cancellous bone. Therefore, reunion takes long time.

Charcot arthropathy of the knee after unsuccessful spinal stenosis surgery: A case report

Highlights • We report here a case of a 62 years old patient with charcot arthropathy at her left knee developed one year after spinal stenosis surgery.• The patient’s knee joint was already beyond the fragmentation and coalescence stages at the moment of physical examination.• Unsuccessful spinal surgery affected polyneuropathy and migrated the level of the sensorineural loss proximally.• Elevated level of sensorineural loss resulted in Charcot knee joint in a short period of time.