Outcomes of the Ilizarov frame use in elderly patients

Abstract Aim The use of circular frame is widely accepted. This is an outcome review on use of circular Ilizarov frame in elderly patients. Materials & methods Data from all patients treated with an Ilizarov circular frame between January 2002 and December 2014, who were 65 years of age or over at surgery was collected. Seventy Ilizarov circular frames were applied during this period in our unit at a mean age of 71.2 years. Clinical, radiological and quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) data were gathered. Mortality, complication and revision data were also collected. Results Indications of application of Ilizarov frame were fractures (53%), non-unions (19%), deformity correction (7%) and ankle fusions (21%). Mean period of time in the frame was 184.4 ± 84.2 days. Mortality and complication rates were low (5–7%) at a mean follow-up 4.2 years. There was no case of septic arthritis or newly induced deep infection. Physical and Mental components of SF-12 questionnaire returned to normal for that age group. There was no difference between the subgroups (tibia plateau fractures, pilon fractures, ankle fusions, non-unions, deformity correction and miscellaneous trauma) concerning the physical and mental subjective (PCS and MCS SF-12 component) outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusions Ilizarov circular frame as a definitive treatment of many kinds of trauma and orthopaedic conditions can be safely and reliably used in the elderly with good quality of life results.