title: Deformity correction and massive lengthening on a centralized fibula with the Ilizarov technique.
abstract: Lengthening beyond 25% of the original segment length is an orthopaedic challenge. Substantial lengthening is fraught with complications such as joint contractures, refractures, nerve injuries and prolonged periods of consolidation. We report a case of massive lengthening in a 17-year-old boy in whom a 20 cm lengthening (57% lengthening) and complex deformity correction was performed on a centralized fibula using the Ilizarov technique, with an excellent result. A total of 17 months were taken to complete the process of lengthening and consolidation at a healing index of 0.85 months/cm. Besides a minor pin tract infection, there were no major complications. We believe that with meticulous pre operative planning and follow-up the extent of lengthening can be extended in cases of severe limb length discrepancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Barzulla Srinagar Government Medical College Srinagar, India. draltafk@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Altaf A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kawoosa
authors.forename: Mohammad F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Butt
authors.forename: Manzoor A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Halwai
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005360:Fibula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications