title: Preliminary experience with Ilizarov method in late reconstruction of radial hemimelia.
abstract: We report the outcome of ulnar lengthening with the Ilizarov technique in five adults with radial hemimelia and previous wrist centralization. The indications for ulnar lengthening in these patients were either a functional deficit due to the short ulna or poor appearance that caused the patient significant unhappiness. All patients had a successful lengthening of the ulna, with a gain in length from 4 to 13 cm; however, the procedures were prolonged (7 to 25 months), and all patients experienced complications. At the time of follow-up examination no patient had residual pain or paresthesias. In four of five patients, although ulnar lengthening resulted in somewhat stiffer digits, it improved function of the extremity as a whole. When asked if they would repeat the lengthening, knowing what they know now, all five replied that they would. The technical difficulties encountered in these cases suggest a cautious approach to ulnar lengthening. This is a long, arduous, painful process that requires a psychologically robust patient. If the ulna is very short preoperatively, lengthening can enhance the volume of space accessible to the hand and in that way improve function.
authors: Lecco Hospital, Italy.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Catagni
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: Szabo
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Cattaneo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D016267:External Fixators; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology; D011884:Radius / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013997:Time Factors; D014457:Ulna / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology