Double-level lengthening, bone transport, and bifocal compression-distraction are commonly undertaken using Ilizarov or other fixators. We performed double-level fixator-assisted nailing, mainly for the correction of deformity and lengthening in the same segment, using a straight intramedullary nail to reduce the time in a fixator. A total of 23 patients underwent this surgery, involving 27 segments (23 femora and four tibiae), over a period of ten years. The most common indication was polio in ten segments and rickets in eight; 20 nails were inserted retrograde and seven antegrade. A total of 15 lengthenings were performed in 11 femora and four tibiae, and 12 double-level corrections of deformity without lengthening were performed in the femur. The mean follow-up was 4.9 years (1.1 to 11.4). Four patients with polio had tibial lengthening with arthrodesis of the ankle. We compared the length of time in a fixator and the external fixation index (EFI) with a control group of 27 patients (27 segments) who had double-level procedures with external fixation. The groups were matched for the gain in length, age, and level of difficulty score.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patients undergoing femoral lengthening by external fixation
tolerate treatment less well when compared to tibial lengthening.
Lengthening of the femur with an intramedullary device may have
advantages. We reviewed all cases of simple femoral lengthening performed
at our unit from 2009 to 2014. Cases of nonunions, concurrent deformities,
congenital limb deficiencies and lengthening with an unstable hip
were excluded, leaving 33 cases (in 22 patients; 11 patients had
bilateral procedures) for review. Healing index, implant tolerance
and complications were compared.Aims
Patients and Methods
