Soft-tissue origin joint contractures treated with the Ilizarov fixation method

Introduction Soft-tissue origin joint contractures are a common orthopedic problem. It could be due to various etiologies. Treatment options are available from conservative to surgical methods. These joint contractures slowly become irreversible causing impairment in activities of daily routine. The Ilizarov method is a well established and time-tested method used for management of bone pathologies, but its use in the management of soft-tissue origin contractures is also possible. It has an established role in neoosteogenesis and histogenesis. Fixator assisted soft-tissue stretching done at sustained slow pace leads to histoneogenesis that avoids stretching of neurovascular structures and reduces the possibility of recurrence.Aims To determine usefulness of the Ilizarov method in management of joint contractures of soft tissue origin; to meet functional requirements of patients; to study complications of Ilizarov method in management joint contractures due to soft tissue origin.Material and methods A total of 6 cases of soft-tissue origin joint contractures due to tuberculosis, post‑traumatic stiffness, post-burn contracture, deformity due to a snake bite in the age group from 3 to 55 years were treated with gradual distraction of joint with the Ilizarov method from January 22 to October 23. Two cases were of triple knee deformity, two were post-traumatic elbow stiffness, one was post-burn great toe contracture and one was post snake bite valgus foot contracture. All cases were operated with transarticular Ilizarov frame application and gradual distraction of joints and soft tissue with the help of hinge- and rod distractor assembly done. All cases completed follow up of 1 year. Aggressive physiotherapy was given postoperatively.Results All cases obtained a reasonable functional outcome, with no recurrence of deformity. All patients walk independently.Conclusion The Ilizarov method can be used for treating joint contractures due to traumatic and non‑traumatic pathologies.