Problems of lengthening of the lower limbs in children and stimulation of reparative processes in the area of distraction regenerates

Abstract

During the period from 1988 to 2000 the compensation lower limb shortening was performed in 285 patients, aged 2.5-18 years, at CITO Pediatric Orthopaedic Clinik. In 5 patients with severe extremity malformation and severe vascular pathology surgical interventions aimed at facilitation of subsequent prosthesis and orthesis. The other patients were subjected to surgical correction using rod distraction device of original design. Complex rehabilitation treatment including functional biocontrol was started in the early postoperative period. The condition of distraction regenerate was evaluated by X-ray, CT and Doppler Laser Flowmetry data. In 63 patients with congenital lower extremity pathology in whom insufficient regeneration was observed the implants containing fetal bone tissue were inserted into the regenerate zone resulting in marked osteogenic effect. Suggested treatment allowed to improve the outcomes and shorten the terms of treatment.