Frequently Asked Questions

Common correctable deformities include bow legs, knock knees, crooked limbs, limb length discrepancy, clubfoot, post-traumatic deformities, congenital deformities, and growth plate-related deformities.

Deformities may be caused by congenital conditions (present since birth), growth plate injuries, fractures that healed incorrectly, infections, arthritis, or neuromuscular disorders.

Doctors use clinical examination, X-rays, CT scans, limb alignment tests, and gait analysis to understand the severity and plan treatment.

Treatment may include physiotherapy, braces, guided growth surgery, osteotomy, external fixators (Ilizarov), or internal fixation with plates and nails.

Mild discomfort is expected, but modern anesthesia and pain management techniques keep you comfortable during and after surgery.

Recovery varies by procedure and patient condition, but generally ranges from 6 weeks to several months. Walking support may be needed initially.

Yes, physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery. It helps improve movement, strength, and overall limb function.

In most cases, yes. Once the bones heal in the corrected position, the results are long-lasting.

Ilizarov surgery is recommended for patients with:-

1). Limb length discrepancy (one leg shorter than the other)
2). Bone deformities (angular or rotational)
3). Non-healing or malunited fractures
4). Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
5). Bone defects after injury or tumor removal

The technique works on the principle of “distraction osteogenesis”, where bone is gently pulled apart in a controlled way. This gradual distraction stimulates new bone formation in the gap, leading to natural bone regeneration and lengthening.

No. The Ilizarov frame is a temporary external fixator. It remains in place until the bone heals completely, which may take a few months depending on the condition. Once healing is confirmed through X-rays, the frame is safely removed.

Some discomfort or mild pain may occur, especially during the initial adjustment period. However, pain is well-managed with medications, and most patients adapt quickly. Regular follow-ups ensure smooth progress and comfort.

HTO may be recommended for selected patients with knee malalignment, varus (bow-leg) deformity, medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, or certain alignment-related knee problems. The goal is to improve alignment and reduce excessive load on the affected part of the knee.

No. HTO is a knee-preserving surgery. Unlike total or partial knee replacement, the natural knee joint is retained while the alignment of the tibia is corrected.

HTO may be considered for selected patients with good overall knee function, localized cartilage damage, abnormal leg alignment and symptoms related to the affected compartment. A detailed orthopedic evaluation and imaging are necessary to determine suitability.

Yes. In appropriate cases, High Tibial Osteotomy can correct varus or bow-leg alignment by changing the mechanical axis of the lower limb.

Polio deformity correction is a group of orthopedic procedures designed to address residual problems such as limb shortening, angular deformity, joint contracture, foot deformity and abnormal walking patterns following polio.

The Ilizarov technique is an advanced limb reconstruction method that uses a circular external fixation frame to gradually correct certain bone deformities or length differences. It can be used in selected patients with complex polio-related deformities.

In selected patients, Ilizarov-based limb reconstruction may be used for limb lengthening and correction of associated deformities. The amount of correction depends on bone condition, soft-tissue health, muscle function and the overall treatment plan.

Yes, selected angular and complex deformities may be gradually corrected using Ilizarov techniques. The exact procedure depends on the location and severity of the deformity.