Comparison of distraction osteogenesis for congenital and acquired limb-length discrepancy in children

• Published in: Orthopedics (Thorofare, N.J.) Vol. 31; no. 2; p. 129
• Main Authors: Antoci, Valentin, Ono, Craig M, Antoci, Jr, Valentin, Raney, Ellen M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SLACK INCORPORATED 01-02-2008
• Subjects: Artificial Limbs; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Leg Length Inequality - congenital; Leg Length Inequality - surgery; Male; Osteogenesis, Distraction - instrumentation; Osteogenesis, Distraction - methods; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0147-7447; 1938-2367
• DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20080201-04

This study evaluated 116 lower limb lengthenings in 88 consecutive patients (mean age, 13.5 years) treated for congenital (31 patients [46 lengthened segments]) and acquired (57 patients [70 lengthened segments]) limb-length discrepancy. Mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Mean lengthening index was 34+/-16 days/cm in the congenital group and 32+/-9 days/cm in the acquired group; this difference was not statistically significant (P> .05). Mean length of distraction regenerate was 6.4+/-3.7 cm in the congenital group and 5.7+/-2.9 cm in the acquired group; this difference was not statistically significant (P> .05). Lengthening percentage was significantly higher in the congenital group (25+/-17.6) than in the acquired group (19+/-15.4). The increase in the complications rate in congenital limb-length discrepancy correlates with a significantly higher lengthening percentage. Bone regenerate is produced equally regardless of whether the etiology is acquired or congenital.