Analysis of scar formation after lower limb lengthening: influence on cosmesis and patient satisfaction.
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.
Karlen
Law Ka Pui
LK
Occupational Therapy Department, The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong, China. karlenhk@yahoo.com.hk
Yinusa
Wahab
W
Yan
Lam Shuk
LS
Wang
Kwan Wing
KW
Hoi
Li Yun
LY
John
Leong Chi Yan
LC
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
D003358:Cosmetics