How precise is the PRECICE compared to the ISKD in intramedullary limb lengthening? Reliability and safety in 26 procedures.
OBJECTIVE
The PRECICE intramedullary limb lengthening system uses a new technique with a magnetic rod and a motorized external remote controller (ERC) with rotational magnetic field. We evaluated the reliability and safety of the PRECICE system.


METHODS
We compared our preliminary results with PRECICE in 24 patients (26 nails) with the known difficulties in the use of mechanical lengthening devices such as the ISKD. We used the Paley classification for evaluation of problems, obstacles, and complications.


RESULTS
2 nails were primarily without function, and 24/26 nails lengthened over the desired distance. Lengthening desired was 38 mm and lengthening obtained was 37 mm. There were 2 nail breakages, 1 in the welding seam and 1 because of a fall that occurred during consolidation. ERC usage was problematic mostly in patients with femoral lengthening. Adjustment of the ERC was necessary in 10 of 24 cases. 15 cases had implant-associated problems, obstacles were seen in 5 cases, and complications were seen in each of 4 cases. INTERPRETAION: The reliability of the PRECICE system is comparable to that of other intramedullary lengthening devices such as the ISKD. The motorized external remote controller and its application by the patients is a weak point of the system and needs strict supervision.
Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Deformity Correction and Foot Surgery.
Frank M
FM
Schiedel
Björn
B
Vogt
Henning L
HL
Tretow
Britta
B
Schuhknecht
Georg
G
Gosheger
Melanie J
MJ
Horter
Robert
R
Rödl
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008280:Magnetics; D008297:Male; D061214:Patient Safety; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult