Ultimately, understanding the mechanism of the scoliosis may lead to better treatment and even prevention of the problem, she points out. In another orthopedic area, Miller has become the first physician at Hopkins to offer the much-publicized Ilizarov technique for bone lengthening. We also use the Ilizarov for congenital bone abnormalities that result in obvious difference in leg length or curvature of bone. With the technique, a metal scaffold is erected and anchored around parts of the long bones of the leg. The bone is then cut and slowly lengthened or straightened over a period of weeks with gentle, persistent traction.
New bone fills the separation.
Though time-consuming for both the patient and physician, Miller says the results are tremendously gratifying.