Unilateral humeral lengthening in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the early experience with unilateral humeral lengthening in children and adolescents. Sixteen cases with unilateral humeral shortening ranged from 5.5-15 cm were studied. The etiology was Erb's palsy in eight cases, epiphyseal injury in five cases and infection in three cases. Hybrid fixation using wires and half pins was applied to all cases to minimize the risk of operative neurovascular complications. Osteotomy was performed in the middle 1/3 of the humerus through a posterior approach. After a latent period of 5-7 days, lengthening started at a rate of 1/3 mm every 8 hours. At an average follow up of 3 years and 2 months, ten excellent and six good results were achieved. The average healing index was 28 days/cm. The complications included pin tract infection in all cases, radial nerve palsy in one case and fracture of the regenerate in two cases