Sorry I can't be of more help. I don't feel comfortable giving advice, either.
But this is an excerpt from a study I read:
The complications are the major risk of lengthening. The Ilizarov technique has been associated with a high rate of complications. The classification of the complications proposed by Caton [6] may be applied to all techniques of lengthening. It makes it possible to analyse and compare the results of lengthening with different techniques in an objective way. Paley [12] proposed a classification using problems (grade 1), obstacles (grade 2), and complications including minor or major sequelae (grade 3). These two classification systems are very similar, except that Paley’s does not include classification of the patient.
[...]
[...] Shevtsov [13] reported only 19% of category II complications, but their percentage of tibial lengthening was much lower than that of our series. The complications during lengthening are more frequent as the tibia is increased by more than 20% of its initial size [16]. In our series, all patients had lengthening of more than 15% of their tibia, which explains the highest number of category II patients (almost 50% of the total series). Therefore, in our opinion, during lengthening of the tibia with the Ilizarov device, approximately one in two patients requires a secondary surgical procedure not planned in the initial lengthening programme.
One of the most common complications of tibial lengthening with an Ilizarov device is the decreased range of motion in the Achilles’ tendon [4]. Even though we performed one Achilles’ lengthening in our series, we believe that physiotherapy focussed on the stiffness seems more appropriate than surgery, which can weaken the Achilles’ tendon.
4. Bonnard C, Favard L, Sollogoub I, Glorion B (1993) Limb lengthening in children using the Ilizarov method. Clin Orthop Rel Res 293:83–88 [PubMed]
13. Shevtsov V, Popkov A, Popkov D, Prevot J (2001) Réduction de la durée de traitement dans les allongements osseux progressifs. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 87(3):248–256 [PubMed]
16. Yun AG, Severino R, Reinker K (2000) Attempted limb lengthenings beyond twenty percent of the initial bone length: results and complications. J Pediatr Orthop 20(2):151–159 [PubMed]
This quote is from
this study. That fourth citation is also citing a study about the Ilizarov method in
children.
Catagni/Pili are known for being pro-ATL, and associate it with good results. That's completely outside of my area of expertise. Just please discuss all of this issue with them. You want the best possible outcome for yourself.
Author
Topic: achilles tendons/calf excercises(basically to avoid ATL) (Read 517 times)