Background: Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a genetic disorder that causes limb deformities due to disturbance at the growth plates.
Materials and methods: Six adolescents, whith symptomatic valgus deformity at the ankle and knee (seven affected legs) underwent correction procedures using the Ilizarov apparatus. In 5 legs, a bifocal Ilizarov apparatus was used, whereas in 2 legs the use of a monofocal apparatus was sufficient.
Results: Correction of the mechanical axis was achieved in all cases, and limb length discrepancy was equalized in the 3 cases that underwent limb elogation. The average knee and ankle corrections were 15 degrees and 18 degrees , respectively. The average time from application to removal of the Ilizarove apparatus was 4.6 months. No major complication occurred.
Conclusions: The use of the Ilizarov method in adolescents with HME enables successful simultaneous correction of multiplanar, multifocal complex limb deformities.