Fully implantable systems are used commonly only after maturity. What are indications to use fully implantable systems at the femur even in children? Implantable lengthening nails (FITBONE) were used retrograde at the femur in minimal invasive technique to correct a limb length discrepancy of >6 cm. In 5 cases a relevant deformity was corrected in the same surgery. In all cases a final step of lengthening was planned at the femur and at the tibia with fully implantable devices at maturity.Introduction
Materials and Methods
“Bioexpandable” prostheses after resection of malignant bone tumors in children to lengthen the bone using the method of callus distraction may offer new perspectives and better long-term results. The bioexpandable prosthesis is equipped with an encapsulated electromotor which enables the device to perform distraction in an osteotomy gap with about 1mm/day. The new bone is improving the ratio from bone to prosthesis and therewith the potential stability of the final stem. The device is indicated, when limb length discrepancy is getting more than 3 cm or at maturity and can be used in a minimal invasive way for femur lengthening.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Fully implantable distraction nails are frequently used for lengthening of the lower leg. What are the indications for humerus lengthening and which results can be expected? The humerus as the best healing bone in the human body is suitable for lengthening with a nail as well but the indications are rare in comparison with the lower legs. Especially when driving a car or when working on a tablet length discrepancy of the arms of more than 4–5cm may cause severe hardening of the cervical muscles and induce chronical pain in the upper spine.Introduction
Materials and Methods
