title: Limb Lengthening Using the PRECICETMNail System: Complications and Results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Three types of telescopic nails are mainly used for intramedullary limb lengthening nowadays. Despite some important advantages of this new technology (e.g. controlled distraction rate, not restricted availability, possibility to perform accordion maneuvers), few articles exist on clinical results and complications after lengthening with the PRECICETMnail (Ellipse, USA).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the current study was to describe and analyze the complications associated with lengthening with the PRECICETMnail. Are the problems preventable when using the PRECICE, related to the distraction rate control, the lengthening goals and technique and handling?
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 9 patients operated between 2012 and 2013 with a PRECICETMnail for a leg length discrepancy (LLD). The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range, 17 - 48 years). There were 5 femoral and 4 tibial procedures. The causes of LLD were posttraumatic (n = 5) and congenital (n = 4). The mean LLD was 36.4 ± 11.4 mm. The minimum follow-ups were 2 months (average, 5 months; range, 2 - 9 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean distraction rate was 0.5 ± 0.1 mm/day. We observed in 7 patients differences in achieving the lengthening goals (average, 1.6 mm; range, -20.0 - 5.0 mm). Average lengthening was 34.7 ± 10.7 mm. All patients reached normal alignment and normal joint orientation. An unintentional loss of the achieved length during the consolidation phase was noticed in patients with delayed bone healing in two cases. In the first case (loss of 20mm distraction) the nail could be redistracted and the goal length was achieved. In the second case (loss of 10mm distraction) the nail broke shortly after the diagnosis and the nail was exchanged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We report of loss of achieved length after lengthening with a telescopic nail. Weight bearing before complete consolidation of the regenerate might be a risk factor for that. Thorough examination of the limb length and careful evaluation of the radiographs are required in the follow-up period. The PRECICE nail system requires the same vigilance like the other intramedullary systems too.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wiebking
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Emmanouil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Liodakis
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kenawey
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krettek
keywords: Complication; Femur; Intramedullary Limb Lengthening; Leg Length Discrepancy