Living with the Ilizarov frame was better than expected
Q What are adolescents’ anticipated and actual experiences of living with an Ilizarov frame?
DESIGN
Qualitative study with psychometric testing.
SETTING
A children’s hospital and children’s homes in Liverpool, UK.
PARTICIPANTS
15 adolescents (11–18 y, 60% boys) who were having planned application of an Ilizarov frame within 12 months. Adolescents being managed with the frame for acute traumatic injury and those with severe learning difficulties were excluded.
METHODS
Psychometric tests explored body image, depression, and coping responses. Semistructured interviews were administered pre-operatively, 6 months postoperatively, and 1 month after frame removal. Interview questions, derived from a pre-study focus group, related to participants’ perceptions of their daily experiences of living with the Ilizarov frame. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic categorical approach. Themes were reviewed with participants for accuracy.
MAIN FINDINGS
3 main themes emerged from preoperative interviews, and 6 themes emerged postoperatively. Before application of the frame, participants anticipated an all …
