title: Tibial lengthening using a reamed type intramedullary nail and an Ilizarov external fixator.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tibial lengthening using a reamed type intramedullary nail and an Ilizarov external fixator for the treatment of leg length discrepancy or short stature. This retrospective study was performed on 18 tibiae (13 patients) in which attempts were made to reduce complications. We used an Ilizarov external fixator and a nail (10 mm diameter in 17 tibiae and 11 mm in one tibia) in combination. Average limb lengthening was 4.19 cm (range, 2.5-5.5). The mean duration of external fixation was 12.58 days per centimetre gain in length, and the mean consolidation index was 40.53 (range, 35.45-51.85). All distracted segments healed spontaneously without refracture or malalignment. Gradual limb lengthening using a reamed type intramedullary nail and circular external fixation in combination was found to be reliable and effective and reduced external fixation time with fewer complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hayoung
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sang Ki
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kap Jung
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jae Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Won Sik
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Choy
authors.forename: Yong In
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jea Yun
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Koo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult