About Ilizarov-Veklich device
The type of frame most commonly used at Ladisten Clinic and unique to the Clinic is the Ilizarov-Veklich device, based on Ilizarov frame, which was named after the Russian doctor who invented it.
The Ilizarov frame itself consisted of several circular rings, made of stainless steel or carbon fibre, that went around patient's leg. The rings were attached to their bone using thin wires or screws. The rings were connected to one another by bars which contain a nut or screw which was used to gradually increase the distance between the cut ends of the bone.
If patient's leg or foot needed to be straightened as well as lengthened, the rings would contain hinges as well, so that the position of their leg or foot could be adjusted over time.
Dr. Veklich noticed that there were multiple limitations and many problems could arise while wearing Ilizarov device. Dr. Vitaliy Veklich felt that there had to be a way out, because there was a great need in improved fixator that would meet expectations and needs of the patients on the one hand, and could also help in achieving goals, set by surgeon, on the other hand.
One of the negative aspects of Ilizarov device was that the limb remained with quite a few small scars from the wires, but also from the operation site where the bone was cut. Sometimes, these scars did not heal properly and restricted movement. Patients disliked the look of these scars and had no other ways but making scars less visible with a help of silicone gel or removing them with plastic surgery.
Moreover, the holes from the wires could lead to Osteomyelitis and this would bring more problems that simply the look of the scars.
Keeping all that in mind, Dr. V.Veklich involved the new methods of minimally-invasive surgery and improved the Ilizarov devices. They soon transformed into completely new Ilizarov-Veklich devices, external fixators for limb lengthening and/or deformities correction treatment.
Ilizarov-Veklich fixator finally resolves some of the biggest risks that faces every patient while limb lengthening treatment: pin site infections that can lead to the bone infection (osteomyelitis), muscle contractures and pain. Ilizarov-Veklich devices are not awkward or heavy and bring more comfort while treatment and recovery process.
As the Veklich devices can be slightly different depending on case of the patient: limb lengthening, bow legs, knock-knee or trauma healing, all of them are made from titanium, are not heavy, do NOT have pins, bring more comfort to patients, make treatment more effective and less risky.
Some points to see Ilizarov-Veklich device:
- Made from titanium
- Strong and safe
- Smaller than other external devices (i.e. Ilizarov, mentioned above)
- Light in weight
- Comfortable (Semi-ring gives patient comfort and convenience during the whole period of treatment, same do the small triangle-shaped Veklich devices)
- Easy to take off
- Leaves minimal scarring (only small 2 mm spots on the skin that disappear after some time).
Improved quality of patient lives that came with using of Ilizarov-Veklich device after the bloodless, minimally-invasive procedure assures that the findings V.Veklich discovered for treatment was appropriate and timely technique that allowed Clinic's surgeons to achieve better treatment results.
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