title: Complications in limb-lengthening procedures: a review of 49 cases.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and number of complications relative to magnitude of limb lengthening. Results and complications of 50 limb-lengthening procedures were analyzed. There were 49 patients. Mean age was 21 years (range, 7-48 years). Lengthening was performed in 24 femora, 18 tibiae, 4 humerii, 3 radii, and 1 ulna. Average length gained was 5 cm (range, 3-15 cm) at average follow-up of 48 months (range, 12-76 months). Desired length was accomplished in all but 1 patient. The 69 complications varied in severity, but only 5 of these significantly impaired end results. The most serious complications occurred in patients with >30% bone lengthening. Patients with <15% lengthening had a significantly decreased complication rate. The healing index was lower in children. We conclude that incidence and severity of complications after limb-lengthening procedures are significantly influenced by relative lengthening of bone.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Greece.
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Hantes
authors: K N
authors: KN
authors: Malizos
authors: T A
authors: TA
authors: Xenakis
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Beris
authors: A N
authors: AN
authors: Mavrodontidis
authors: P N
authors: PN
authors: Soucacos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011336:Probability; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016896:Treatment Outcome