Callus distraction in bone defect and leg shortening of femur after osteomyelitis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the efficacy of callus distraction performed by external fixtor in the reconstruction of bone defect and leg shortening of femur after osteomyelitis.@*METHODS@#Nineteen child patients with bone defect and leg shortening after ostemomyelitis were treated by callus distraction with external fixator. The mean length of the bone defect was 1.3 cm. The mean leg-length discrepancy was 4.8 cm.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 21-82 months. The bone lengthening area grew well, the length of callus distraction was 4.5-8.0 cm, and the mean radiographic consolidation index was 39.7 d/cm. According to the Paley's criteria, the healing effect of 14 cases was excellent, and that of the rest 5 cases was good. The functional recovery of 11 cases was excellent, and that of the rest 8 cases was good.@*CONCLUSION@#Callus distraction is a reliable method in the reconstruction of bone defect and leg shortening caused by ostemomyelitis.