Distraction lengthening of the forearm for congenital and developmental problems.
Thirty-five callus distractions of the forearm were carried out in 23 patients, who were divided into two groups according to the cause of the shortening. Eleven cases in group A had congenital dysplasia, and the 12 cases in group B had growth disturbances from tumours or infection. The mean amount of lengthening was 27 mm in group A and 25 mm in group B. The mean percentage increase in length was 35% and 17%, respectively. The mean duration of fixation was 159 days and 127 days, respectively. The Healing Index had a positive correlation with the age at surgery in group A, but not in group B. The main complication was callus deformity after the removal of a fixator, which was especially frequent in group A. To avoid complications, the aetiology of shortening and the age of the patient should be considered when deciding the surgical protocol.
Horii
E
E
Orthopaedic Department, Nagoya University, Syowaku, Japan. emikoh@tsuru.med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Nakamura
R
R
Nakao
E
E
Kato
H
H
Yajima
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D002146:Bony Callus; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome