title: Surgical treatment of the deformities of the long bones in severe osteogenesis imperfecta.
abstract: The authors report their experience in the surgical treatment of bone deformities in osteogenesis imperfecta, based upon 45 operations in 13 severely affected patients. Three different procedures were used. Fragmentation and temporary fixation by means of a wire does not guarantee a sufficient protection of the bone and shows a relapse of deformity at the lower limbs; fragmentation, realignment and intramedullary rods, technically easier, is indicated in patients who are near the end of osseous growth; the extensible Bailey-Dubow rod, being an even more complicated application, is absolutely indicated in the bone in growth. Functional recovery of the patients was satisfactory, and complications were scarse, with the exception of a significant incidence of diaphyseal atrophy.
authors.affiliation: Ospedale dei Bambini Umberto I., Divisione di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Brunelli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Frediani
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment; D009985:Orthopedics; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000601:surgery*