Distraction epiphysiolysis as a method of limb lengthening. III. Clinical applications.
In 16 patients still in growth stage who were suffering from a shortened limb from 5 to 12 cm attributable to a varied etiology, the tibia was lengthened by distraction, hence, achieving separation of the epiphysis (distraction epiphysiolysis). Lengthening of the tibia from 5 to 10 cm was attained with remarkably minor and infrequent complications. The fact that distraction epiphysiolysis is a blood less procedure, that it allows the formation of a bone segment which is qualitatively and quantitatively suitable to its functional needs, and that all of this is achieved in a reasonably short period, justifies the conclusion that this method is a valuable addition to the accepted techniques for limb lengthening.
D000293:Adolescent; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000503:physiopathology; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010012:Osteogenesis; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods