ABSTRACT
Objective:To discuss the result of treating valgus or varus knee deformity with fixator assist nailing (FAN)technique and distal femur osteotomy(DFO).Methods:In this retrospective study,14 patients with 17 limbs,12 valgus and 5 varus knee deformity were treated with DFO and FAN.The aver-age age of the patients was 23 (17-44)years .The unilateral external fixator was mounted on the lateral side of femur,the minimal invasive distal femoral osteotomy was performed.After the deformity was cor-rected,the intramedully nail was inserted to fix the femur.None of the patients need bone autograft.The preoperation and postoperation lateral distal femur angle (LDFA ),mechanical axis deviation (MAD ) and range of motion (ROM)were measured and analyzed.Results:All the 14 patients were followed-up for 12 -72 months (average 34 months).The osteotomy site united in 3 -5 months (average 3.5 months)post-operatively.According to Paley’s functional scores,12 patients were excellent,2 patients were good.We achieved desired postoperative MAD (from medial 15 mm to lateral 10 mm)in 15 limbs of 12 patients.The LDFA in 1 1 limbs was corrected to normal (84°-90°).The ROM was not signifi-cantly changed before and after operation in the both groups.No infection or neuro-vascular injury oc-curred.Conclusion:The FAN technique is an effective method to treat valgus knee or varus knee de-formity in young patients with DFO.
