Reconstruction

Reconstructive surgery refers to operations to correct limb deformity, shortening or instability as a result of previous bony injuries or congenital deformities. This is complex surgery that often requires the use of circular external fixators to lengthen, realign or stabilise the bones in a limb. Such treatment takes many months and requires intensive monitoring.

The Manchester Orthopaedic Group has two surgeons who can perform reconstructive surgery with circular frame external fixators. They are Tahir Khan and Amer Shoaib. There is only one other centre in Greater Manchester where this service is offered for adults.

Circular Frame External Fixators

These medical devices were developed in the Soviet Union by Professor Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov. He treated Soviet soldiers injured in World War II with home made equipment made from bicycle wheels and spokes. What he achieved with this equipment was incredibly successful and revolutionised reconstructive surgery. These devices were kept a secret behind the Iron Curtain and have only been used in the West only over the last 25 years.

Common conditions

Non-Union

Mal-Union

Leg length discrepancy

Limb realignment