Compression-distraction method of treatment for the knee deformities in children with osteomyelitis consequences

Fifty children with various deformities of the knee caused by osteomyelitis got over at the age from 1 year to 15 years were observed by the authors for the last 5 years. The clinical picture of osteomyelitis consequences manifested itself as follows: contractures of knee and axial curvatures of the lower limbs (19 patients); hypofunction of femoral and tibial growth plates with limb shortening and the knee bending in the frontal plane (21 children); premature sy№stosis of the growth plates with bone condyle ossification disorder (6 patients); complete disruption of the patella and ankylosis of the patellofemoral junction (two cases); complete disruption of femoral and tibial epimetaphysis with ankylosis of the knee in faulty position (two children). Depending on the knee element state the differentiated tactics of surgical treatment was carried out using the compression-distraction method. The long-term results of treatment within the period from 1 year to 5 years were analyzed in 32 children. As a result of the surgeries made good results with axis and limb length correction were obtained in 22 patients, partial reccurence of the deformity as far as children grew was №ted in 8 children.