title: Bone lengthening using the Fitbone(®) motorized intramedullary nail: The first experience in France.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intramedullary limb lengthening systems include mechanical systems (the Albizzia nail and the ISKD nail) as well as motorized systems with the Fitbone(®) (Wittenstein, Igersheim, Germany) and the Precice(®) (Ellipse Technologies, Irvine, CA, USA) nails. We hypothesized that limb lengthening using the Fitbone(®) nail was reliable, reproducible, and comfortable for the patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2010 and 2013, a prospective single-center, single-operator (FA) study was conducted on patients who had undergone limb lengthening using the Fitbone(®) nail. The inclusion criteria were length discrepancy of the limbs equal to or greater than 25 mm or a short stature. The exclusion criteria were indications for cosmetic reasons and/or growth plates that were still open. The lengthening parameters were assessed postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Lengthening was considered achieved when the lengthening objective did not differ by more than 5 mm. All complications were noted. A statistical analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six Fitbone(®) nails were implanted in 23 patients, in the femur in 15 cases and the tibia in 11 cases. The patients' mean age was 22.5 years (range: 15-53 years) and the mean follow-up was 3.4 years (range: 2-5.3 years). The limb lengthening targeted was obtained in 23 cases (88%) and the mean lengthening was 45.3±18 mm (range: 20-80 mm). The mean time to healing was 277±167 days (range: 86-638 days). The mean healing index was 73±57 days/cm for the femurs and 83.5±65 days/cm for the tibias. The mean complication rate was 15.4%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study emphasizes the good short-term results of this motorized intramedullary lengthening system. An evaluation over the longer term and with a higher number of patients remains necessary.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV: uncontrolled, prospective, continuous study.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie orthopédique, hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Accadbled
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie orthopédique, hôpital Sud, CHU de Grenoble, avenue Kimberley, 38130 Échirolles, France. Electronic address: regis.pailhe@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pailhé
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie orthopédique, hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cavaignac
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie orthopédique, hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sales de Gauzy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects; D004392:Dwarfism / Q000601:surgery*; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bone lengthening; Fitbone(®); Length discrepancy; Motorized nail