title: Correction of shortening and/or angular deformities by distraction osteogenesis using AO-tubular fixator.
abstract: Eighteen patients (20 bony segments) who had shortening and/or angular deformities were treated by distraction osteogenesis using AO-tubular external fixator. The mean angular correction was 18.9 degrees (range, 8-40 degrees). Of the group in whom shortening and angulation was corrected, the mean length gained was 4.2 cm (3-6 cm). The mean treatment time was 4.9 months (range, 2-13 months) and the mean follow-up was 12 months after removal of the fixator (range, 3-30 months). Delayed union with loosening of the fixator occurred in one patient which resulted in residual shortening of 1.5 cm. The author's technique of distraction osteogenesis using AO-tubular fixator with the new distraction rate of 1 mm/48 h (1 mm/step) could adequately correct shortening and/or angular deformities. No extra equipment was needed other than the readily-available AO-tubular fixation systems. No serious complications such as neurovascular injury were encountered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Police General Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chanchit
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sangkaew
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001848:Bone Diseases, Developmental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome