Tibial Lengthening / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Leg length discrepancy in children occurs chiefly as an aftermath of poliomyelitis. In spite of immunization, there remain a few infantile paralysis patients with significant leg length discrepancy. The methods to correct leg length inequality have included epiphysiodesis, long bone shortening and growth stimulation. But the limitation of accomplishing equalization by these methods has made it clear that there is a need for an accurate and uncomplicated leg lengthening method. Anderson and others devised a well controlled distraction apparatus and performed surgery upon many, cases with few complications. This study is a report of 7 consecutive patients all operated on by a reverse method, with the application of the Charnley compression apparatus. The results are as follows. 1. Correction of 2. 5 to 4. 5 cm (average 3.4 cm) was achieved. 2. Major complications were delayed union in 5 cases, pin tract infection in 2 cases and nerve injury in 1 case. 3. When either inadequate union or failure of union of the distracted fragments is established in the mature patients, it is suggested that the fragments should be stabilized with bone graft as soon as possible.