Since 2001 we use the flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) in bone lengthening in children. This study estimates results of EF+FIN association considering the duration of external fixation and complications. Since 2001 we performed 294 bone lengthenings (338 segments of UL and LL) in 250 children 3 to 16 years old (11.01±0.23 in average). The length discrepancy was congenital in 163 cases, the sequelae of trauma or osteomyelitis were observed in 87 patients. In group I (195 cases) the Ilizarov fixator alone was applied, in group II the Ilizarov fixator (91 cases) or TSF® (8cases) were combined with FIN. The healing index was compared between the groups of the same etiology with similar type of distraction osteosynthesis. The date of consolidation corresponded to the day of removal of the external fixator, while intramedullary nails remained in place thus protecting the bone. Healing index was calculated by relating the duration of wearing of the external fixator (in days) and the amount of lengthening (in cm).Introduction
Materials and Methods
