title: Analysis of scar formation after lower limb lengthening: influence on cosmesis and patient satisfaction.
abstract: Limb lengthening aims to reduce limb length discrepancy, improve cosmesis, and permit more functional mobility. Scarring, however, is a major concern of patients. In this study 25 patients (27 lengthening sites) were assessed; 6 sites were lengthened with Orthofix and 21 sites with Ilizarov. Altogether, 452 pin tract scars were assessed. The mean scar length was 11.5 mm in the Ilizarov group (n=415) and 54.1 mm in the Orthofix group (n=37). The mean scar width was 5.6 mm in the Ilizarov group and 11.5 mm in the Orthofix group. The mean patient satisfaction was 7.3 in the Orthofix group and 5.5 in the Ilizarov group. The mean Vancouver score was 0.66 in the Ilizarov group and 3.1 in the Orthofix group. The scars were shorter and cosmetically better in the Ilizarov group, but patients were more satisfied in the Orthofix group because there were fewer scars. Patients were also more satisfied with the thigh scars than with the leg scars because clothing can easily cover the thigh scars.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Department, The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong, China. karlenhk@yahoo.com.hk
authors.forename: Law Ka Pui
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Karlen
authors.forename: Wahab
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yinusa
authors.forename: Lam Shuk
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Kwan Wing
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Li Yun
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Hoi
authors.forename: Leong Chi Yan
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: John
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003358:Cosmetics; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics