Hybrid external fixator for correction of genu valgum in an adult

Abstract

Sometimes genu valgum in an adult poses a challenge to orthopedic surgeons because the deformity is very gross if it developed due to injury or infection in early childhood. If the femoral condyle is found to be hypoplastic, then the corrective osteotomy site is very close to the joint. It may be difficult to manage with a conventional fixator and a hybrid fixator may become a necessity. A limb reconstruction system (LRS) is less cumbersome than ring fixators when fixed to the thigh. A hybrid fixator fabricated using a twin-ring Ilizarov system attached to an LRS was found to be very useful during the management of corrective osteotomy of genu valgum in an adult. A special clamp was designed to fix the Ilizarov portion to the end of the rail system of LRS. Here, the use of such a hybrid fixator to correct the deformity of the right knee in a 27-year-old person has been described in detail.