Lengthening of the tibia over an intramedullary nail, using the Ilizarov external fixator. Major complications and slow consolidation in 9 lengthenings.
We lengthened 9 tibial segments over a nail to reduce the time in the external fixator in 5 patients with constitutional shortness. The median lengthening was 7 (5.5-7.3) cm and the external Ilizarov frame was removed after median 99 (63-125) days. In spite of a short time in the external fixator, consolidation was slow, with a median lengthening index of 4.4 (2.4-6.1) months/cm. The procedure resulted in 3 fatigue fractures of the intramedullary nail or interlocking screws that needed revision and bone grafting. In 1 patient, a deep intramedullary infection occurred. After the experience of these major complications we have returned to the traditional callotasis lengthening method described by Ilizarov.
Kristiansen
L P
LP
National Hospital Orthopaedic Department and Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Oslo, Norway.
Steen
H
H
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001827:Body Height; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors