The intramedullary elongation nail for femoral lengthening

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume Vol. 84; no. 7; pp. 971 - 977
• Main Authors: GARCIA-CIMBRELO, E, CURTO DE LA MANO, A, GARCIA-REY, E, CORDERO, J, MARTI-CIRUELOS, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery 01-09-2002; British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery
• Edition: British volume
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Lengthening - instrumentation; Bone Nails; Child; External Fixators; Female; Femur - surgery; Humans; Leg Length Inequality - surgery; Male; Medical sciences; Orthopedic surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Treatment Outcome; Human; Femur; Prognosis; Intramedullary nailing; Lower limb; Progressive; Orthopedic surgery; Surgical lengthening; Treatment; Osteosynthesis material; Complication; Technique; Elongation
• ISSN: 0301-620X; 2049-4394; 2044-5377; 2049-4408
• DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.84B7.0840971

We have analysed the results of 24 femoral lengthenings in 23 patients operated on between 1993 and 2000, using a gradual elongation intramedullary nail (Albizzia). Of the 23 patients, 22 had femoral deficiency and one was of short stature. Their mean age was 16.9 years. Technical difficulties encountered during the procedure were mild or moderate in 18 femora and severe in six femora. Distraction was obtained by 15 ratchetings per day (1 mm/day). There were 18 excellent results although in two patients this was achieved after the development of a pseudarthrosis which required further surgery. There were four good and two fair results in which the lengthening obtained was at least 3 cm less than had been projected. The consolidation index was 35.2 days/cm. No patient had associated long-term stiffness of the knee. Femoral lengthening using an elongation nail gives good results and is a comfortable procedure.