PURPOSE We assessed whether an intramedullary lengthening device would reduce the problems normally associated with the external fixation technique. We also wanted to determine whether it is a reliable construct for limb lengthening and deformity correction in the femur. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a matched-pair comparison of 30 femoral lengthenings, 15 with a motorized intramedullary ...

For decades, the classic indication for limb lengthening has been reserved for anisomelia that was expected to reach or exceed 5 cm at maturity. Epiphysiodesis was reserved for discrepancies in the 2-5 cm range. With the increasing sophistication of fixators, including rail, hexapod, and hybrid, complex deformities may be corrected simultaneously while moderate to extreme lengthening is achieve...

Femur lengthening for correction of limb length discrepancy in a child with neurological defect (hemiparesis) was showed in the paper. In this case we used distraction osteosynthesis method by Ilizarov (external fixator) with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) method. Lengthening rate was 0.95 mm/day (total 3.5 cm), healing index was 34 days/cm. After 6 month of our treatment patient ...

PURPOSE Instability of the knee is a common finding in patients with congenital limb deficiency. The instability can be attributed to soft tissue abnormalities, frontal, sagittal or rotational deformity of the lower limb and bony dysplasia of the patella or of the femoral condyles. In most of the cases, these pathomorphologic changes stay asymptomatic in daily activity. However, instability can...

Limb lengthening by callus distraction and external fixation has a high rate of complications. We describe our experience using an intramedullary nail (Fitbone) which contains a motorised and programmable sliding mechanism for limb lengthening and bone transport. Between 2001 and 2004 we lengthened 13 femora and 11 tibiae in ten patients (seven men and three women) with a mean age of 32 years (...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 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 ...

Leg length discrepancies can occur despite successful union of femur fractures after intramedullary nailing (IMN). Often, the leg length discrepancy can result in significant disability to the patient, altered gait biomechanics, pelvic obliquity, and pain. Therefore, a successful clinical result for such deformities after IMN involves addressing the leg length inequality. Femoral reconstruction...

Leg length discrepancies can occur despite successful union of femur fractures after intramedullary nailing (IMN). Often, the leg length discrepancy can result in significant disability to the patient, altered gait biomechanics, pelvic obliquity, and pain. Therefore, a successful clinical result for such deformities after IMN involves addressing the leg length inequality. Femoral reconstruction...

We report the results of intramedullary leg lengthening conducted between 2002 and 2009 using the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor in 69 unilateral lengthenings involving 58 femora and 11 tibiae. We identified difficulties that occurred during the treatment and assessed whether they were specifically due to the implant or independent of it. Paley's classification for evaluating proble...