Objective To review the methods of metacarpal and phalange lengthening and to point out the problems at present as well as to predict the trend of development in the field. Methods Domestic and abroad l iterature concerning the methods of metacarpal and phalange lengthening in recent years was reviewed extensively and thoroughly analyzed. Results At present, there are many methods to treat the short finger disabil ity, but the methods of metacarpal and phalange lengthening have an advantage, which include closed osteotomy lengthening, callus-lengthening, and modified Il izarovmethod. Each surgical method has its advantages and l imitations. However, the part of osteotomy, the length and speed, and the postoperative compl ications etc. have been disputed. Conclusion The modified Il izarov method has the advantages of simple operation, minimal invasion, and less compl ications, but the long-term results of each treatment method are unknown and need more further studies.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the factors which affect the bone union of distracted region after limb lengthening, so as improve the curative effect and diminish the incidence of complication. METHODS To look up the latest literatures dealing with the bone union in limb lengthening, then review the procedure of osteogenesis and the affecting factors. RESULTS The osteogenesis of distracted region after limb lengthening is a sophisticated procedure. It can be affected by the velocity of lengthening, the period of lengthening, the site and method of osteotomy, the age etiology of patient. CONCLUSION The bone union of distracted region after limb lengthening can be facilitated by following factors: 1. the velocity of lengthening slower than 1.0 mm/day; 2. moderate delay in distraction; 3. axial shortening of distracted region; 4. micromovement stimulation.
Abstract There have been many types of bone-grafting operation dealing with the congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPAT), but the failure rate is fairly high. Since 1990, 2 children with CPAT, who had received repeated bone-grafting operation in failure, were treatedaccordingto the Ilizarovs theory and its related technique. The essentials of the operation were: (1) Thorough resection of abnormal bone tissues at pseudarthrosis might freshen the ends of the bone and facilitate bone union. (2) The firm fixation and constant compression force to the bone ends might promote bone healing. (3) The tibial lengthening was performed by osteotomy at the upper tibia. The pseudarthrosis was united in 2～3 months after operation. The patients were followed up from 1 to 3 years, and it was found that the remodelling of thebone was good, no recurrence occured. The advantages were: (1) The bone grafting was no longer necessary. (2) It could give a chance to equalizethe limb length. (3) It could enable early weight bearing and functional exercise.
The changes of nerve function were observed from the study of electrophysiology and histomorphology in 15 rabbits undergoing gradual lengthening of the legs from different rates and magnitudes. The results showed that if the leg was increased at a rate of 1 mm per day would not result in any changes of nerve morphology or functional damage. The conduction rate of the motor nerve and the potential of the muscular action were all normal; if at a rate of 2mm per day, the leg length was increased within 40％, it was still quite safe. It was believed that the peripheral nerve markedly tolerable to gradual lengthening from traction.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress in the lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail. MethodsThe domestic and foreign related literature about the lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. ResultsThe intramedullary nail lengthening systems can be divided into 3 types:distraction by mechanical strength, by motorized electronic power, or by motorized magnetic force. The new technology has obvious advantages in complication incidence, limb function, bone healing rate, comfortable and cosmetic degree of the patients, and hospitalization days compared with the external fixation, but it also has the disadvantages including lengthening failure of system breakdown, intramedullary infection, injuries of vessel and nerve, limited distraction length, and expensive price of the apparatus. And the method also has several contraindications:narrow medulla, multiple curves of medulla, osteomyelitis, skin infection, and unclosed epiphyseal plate. ConclusionThe lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail is a major improvement of Ilizarov technology. Although the method has been used in limited cases, the preliminary clinical results are excellent, and it can be regarded as a new trend of the limb lengthening, bone reconstruction, and deformity correction.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and technical points of shortened replantation combined with limb lengthening in the treatment of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg. Methods Twelve cases of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg were treated with shortened replantation at the 1st stage and limb lengthening at the 2nd stage between April 2009 and May 2016. There were 9 males and 3 females with an average age of 28 years (range, 16-32 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 4 cases, heavy pound injury in 6 cases, and machine crush injury in 2 cases. The interval from injuries to treatment ranged from 30 minuts to 6 hours (mean, 3 hours and 12 minutes). All of 12 cases, 6 cases were completely amputated in the right middle and distal lower leg, 4 were not completely amputated in the left middle and distal lower leg, and 2 were ankle amputations. The limbs were 4.0-12.5 cm shorter than the contralateral sides, with an average of 7.3 cm. Limb lengthening was performed at 1.5-8.0 months after replantation and the time of extension was 1.7-5.3 months (mean, 3.1 months). Results All 12 patients recovered the same lengths of both lower extremities after shortened replantation and limb lengthening. The lengthened segments gained good bone mineralization, bony union was achieved at lengthened segments and broken end of fracture at 7-16 months (mean, 11.3 months). All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean, 2 years and 5 months). The range of motion of the knee joint were 0-5° (mean, 3°) in hyperextension and 110-140° (mean, 120°) in flexion. Except for 2 cases of ankle arthrodesis, plantar flexion angles were 15-45° (mean, 26°) and dorsiflexion angles were 10-25° (mean, 15°) in the other cases. The plantar sensation was restored to the S3+ level in 4 cases, S3 level in 6 cases, and S2 level in 2 cases. At last follow-up, the affected limb function were excellent in 7 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 2 cases according to Kofoed functional evaluation criteria. Conclusion It expanded indications for replantation of lower limb amputation, reduced the operation difficulty and trauma with shortened replantation combined with limb lengthening in the treatment of severe amputation of middle and distal lower leg.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of intramedullary lengthening nail technology.MethodsThe foreign literature on the development history, types, advantages and disadvantages, indications and contraindications, complications, and effectiveness of intramedullary lengthening nail were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe intramedullary lengthening nail system mainly includes mechanical type, electric motor drive type, and magnetic drive type. Compared with traditional external fixation and lengthening technology, the intramedullary lengthening nail technology has certain advantages in incidence of complications, bone healing, postoperative functional rehabilitation, incision aesthetics, convenience, and patient satisfaction. However, there are also shortcomings, such as pain, uncontrollable distraction rate, device failure, etc. In the clinical application of intramedullary lengthening nails for limb lengthening, the indications should be grasped reasonably, and the related complications should be prevented and treated.ConclusionIntramedullary lengthening nails provide a new option for limb lengthening, and the initial effectiveness is good. It is one of the development direction of limb lengthening technology.
ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical method and preliminary effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of lower limb deformity caused by achondroplasia. MethodsThe clinical data of 38 patients with lower limb deformity caused by achondroplasia treated by Ilizarov technique between February 2014 and September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 20 females, the age ranged from 7 to 34 years, with an average of 14.8 years. All patients presented with bilateral knee varus deformity. The preoperative varus angles was (15.2±4.2)°, and knee society score (KSS) was 61.8±7.2. Nine of these patients underwent tibia and fibula osteotomy, 29 cases underwent tibia and fibula osteotomy and bone lengthening at the same time. Full-length bearing position X-ray films of bilateral lower limbs were taken to measure the bilateral varus angles, analyze the healing index, and record the occurrence of complications. KSS score was used to evaluate the improvement of knee joint function before and after operation. Results All 38 cases were followed up 9-65 months, with an average of 26.3 months. Needle tract infection occurred in 4 cases and needle tract loosening occurred in 2 cases after operation, which were improved after symptomatic treatment such as dressing change, Kirschner wire change, and oral antibiotics, and no neurovascular injury occurred in all patients. The external fixator was worn for 3-11 months after operation, with an average of 7.6 months, and the healing index was 43-59 d/cm, with an average of 50.3 d/cm. At last follow-up, the leg was 3-10 cm longer, with an average of 5.5 cm. The varus angles was (1.5±0.2)° and the KSS score was 93.7±2.6, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). ConclusionIlizarov technique is a safe and effective method for the treatment of short limb with genu varus deformity caused by achondroplasia, which can improve the quality of life of patients.