There is discomfort after surgery, which is managed with pain medication. Most patients find the pain manageable within the first few days. The frame itself does not cause ongoing pain once the initial healing begins.

Can I walk with the frame?

In most cases, yes — walking with the frame is encouraged as part of recovery. The extent of weight-bearing depends on the specific procedure and will be guided by Dr. Hoda.

How do I care for the pins?

Pin site care is taught before discharge. It involves cleaning around each pin with saline or as instructed, and monitoring for signs of infection such as redness, swelling or discharge.

How long until the frame is removed?

This depends on the condition being treated, the amount of correction needed, and how well the bone heals. It is usually several weeks to months. Dr. Hoda will give a more specific estimate after reviewing your X-rays.

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Deformity Correction

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Shamsul Hoda, MBBS, D.Ortho., MS Ortho, M.Ch. Orth., Dip. Ilizarov (Kurgan) – Ilizarov & Limb Reconstruction Specialist

Last reviewed: November 2026 · About the author

Correction of angular and rotational deformities of the leg or arm using the Ilizarov method.

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What is it?

Deformity correction using the Ilizarov method involves gradually straightening a bone that is bent, twisted or misaligned. An external fixator frame is applied and adjusted over time to correct the deformity without removing bone. The technique allows correction of complex three-dimensional deformities simultaneously.

Who needs it?

Bow legs (genu varum) or knock knees (genu valgum)
Angular deformity after fracture or infection
Rotational deformity of the leg
Deformity from rickets or metabolic bone disease
Post-traumatic deformity

How is it treated?

Your treatment is planned digitally on full-length X-rays using computer-assisted deformity analysis, and we explain the plan to you on screen before surgery. The frame is applied under anaesthesia and adjusted gradually over several weeks. The rate and direction of correction are planned precisely before surgery. In some cases, a small bone cut is made to allow the correction. The frame holds the bone in the corrected position while it heals.

How We Plan Your Treatment

Precise correction starts with precise planning. We analyse deformity and limb length on calibrated full-length X-rays and plan each correction digitally before surgery, using Bone Ninja — a deformity-planning application developed at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Baltimore. This helps us:

measure the deformity and the exact point (CORA) and amount of correction
predict leg length difference at skeletal maturity in growing children
plan the frame or implant and the correction schedule
show patients and families their planned correction before they decide

Digital tools also help us document and review every case in a structured way. All clinical decisions are made by the surgeon.

Digital deformity planning on screenSquare image – 1080 × 1080 px

What to expect

Hospital stay is typically a few days. The frame is worn for several weeks to months. Physiotherapy helps maintain joint movement during treatment. Regular X-rays monitor the correction. The frame is removed once the bone has healed in the corrected position.

X-ray / illustration — upload your own image hereSquare image – 1080 × 1080 px

Risks and Limitations

Like any surgery, this treatment carries risks. These can include pin-site infection, joint stiffness, delayed bone healing, and the need for further procedures. Results depend on age, general health, the condition being treated and following the treatment plan. Dr. Hoda will explain the risks that apply to you before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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