Average Gain In Length Research Articles

Osteoplastic Thumb Reconstruction in the Immediate Setting: A Case Series.

Background:Traumatic thumb amputation can have devastating effects on residual hand function. When replantation is not possible, thumb reconstruction is often performed in a delayed manner and may require multiple stages. Furthermore, reconstruction techniques often require microsurgical skills and equipment, which are not readily available at all institutions. This case series illustrates our technique for immediate osteoplastic thumb reconstruction following traumatic amputation.Methods:This is a case series involving all patients who sustained unreplantable thumb amputations and underwent immediate osteoplastic thumb reconstruction with bone autograft and pedicled groin flap by the senior author from September 2016 through August 2018.Results:Five patients underwent immediate osteoplastic thumb reconstruction during the study period. Total operative time for the initial osteoplastic reconstruction averaged 158 minutes (range 96–290 minutes). In addition to flap division surgery, patients underwent an average of 1.2 revision procedures (range 0–2), primarily for debulking and hardware removal. Patients achieved an average gain in length of 3.3 cm compared with the maximum anticipated length with revision amputation at the time of injury, and had stable clinical outcomes for a minimum of 12 months.Conclusions:Osteoplastic thumb reconstruction is a useful technique for thumb reconstruction for select patients following traumatic thumb amputation. Advantages of this approach include shorter overall operative times and hospital length of stay, minimal donor site morbidity, and a straightforward, reproducible technique.

Surgical Results of Limb Lengthening at the Femur, Tibia, and Humerus in Patients with Achondroplasia.

BackgroundResults of limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia were previously reported in many studies. However, the reports of comparison among the three long bones (femur, tibia, and humerus) are rare, especially for the results of crossed lengthening (lengthening of one femur and contralateral tibia followed by that of the opposite side) for the lower limbs. The purpose of this study was to report the surgical results of a series of limb lengthening in achondroplastic or hypochondroplasia patients at our institution.MethodsFifteen patients (14 with achondroplasia and 1 with hypochondroplasia) underwent lower limb lengthening of the femur (n = 32) and tibia (n = 28), and 12 of them underwent crossed lengthening. Humeral lengthening was performed in 14 patients (n = 28). The mean age at the first operation was 11.7 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 66.7 months. The healing index, consolidation period index (duration of consolidation period/gained length), and other radiographic indices were analyzed. Limb length discrepancy and hip-knee-ankle alignment in lower limbs, and the occurrence of difficulties were assessed.ResultsThe average gain in length for the femur, tibia, and humerus was 8.3 cm, 8.5 cm, and 7.4 cm, respectively. The mean healing index was 29.6 days/cm for the femur, 29.0 days/cm for the tibia, and 27.2 days/cm for the humerus. The mean consolidation period index was 14.7 days/cm for the humerus, which was significantly lower than that in the lower limb (17.3 days/cm for the femur and 17.8 days/cm for the tibia). Of the 12 who underwent crossed lengthening, five showed limb length discrepancy ≥ 1.0 cm. Among their 24 lower limbs, three showed valgus alignment ≥ 5° and one showed varus alignment ≥ 5°. Thirty-two pin site infections and three fractures were conservatively managed. Three femoral fractures, eight equinus deformities, and four cases with premature consolidation of the fibula were surgically treated. Obstacle and true complication related to humeral lengthening were not observed.ConclusionsHumeral lengthening was relatively effective and safe. Careful attention will be needed to avoid the occurrence of limb length discrepancy or malalignment in crossed lengthening.

Angular Effects of Z-Plasty Technique on Extent of Relaxation of Contracted Scar, Cosmetic Appearance and Tip Necrosis in Dogs

Z-plasty is a plastic surgery technique which is used to improve the functional and cosmetic appearance of a scar by redirecting it into better alignment and allowing the closure of a large wound by increasing circumference of its orifices. This experimental study was executed to evaluate the extent of relaxation of contracted scar, cosmetic appearance and tip necrosis in dogs by using Z-plasty technique at different angles, i.e. 45°, 60° and 75°, respectively. 18 mongrel dogs were randomly selected and divided in three groups (A, B and C) comprising six dogs each; after induction of scar tissue, Z-plasty was applied at 45° in Group A, 60° in Group B and 75° in Group C, respectively. % Gain in length was superior for the 60° group (P<0.05), as compared with the 45° and 75° Z-plasty, respectively. Tip Necrosis Status and cosmetic appearance for the 60° group were also found superior (P<0.05) than at 45° and 75°, respectively. The results of the experimental trial showed that the parameters of extent of relaxation of the contracted scar, cosmetic appearance and tip necrosis, were mainly governed by two factors, (1) length of contracted scar and (2) angle of Z-plasty technique. Conclusively, 60° Z-plasty serves a better option for correction of burn scar contractures since it provides average gain in length, good cosmetic appearance and causes no tip necrosis.

Limb Lengthening in Patients with Achondroplasia.

PurposeAlthough bilateral lower-limb lengthening has been performed on patients with achondroplasia, the outcomes for the tibia and femur in terms of radiographic parameters, clinical results, and complications have not been compared with each other. We proposed 1) to compare the radiological outcomes of femoral and tibial lengthening and 2) to investigate the differences of complications related to lengthening.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 28 patients (average age, 14 years 4 months) with achondroplasia who underwent bilateral limb lengthening between 2004 and 2012. All patients first underwent bilateral tibial lengthening, and at 9-48 months (average, 17.8 months) after this procedure, bilateral femoral lengthening was performed. We analyzed the pixel value ratio (PVR) and characteristics of the callus of the lengthened area on serial radiographs. The external fixation index (EFI) and healing index (HI) were computed to compare tibial and femoral lengthening. The complications related to lengthening were assessed.ResultsThe average gain in length was 8.4 cm for the femur and 9.8 cm for the tibia. The PVR, EFI, and HI of the tibia were significantly better than those of the femur. Fewer complications were found during the lengthening of the tibia than during the lengthening of the femur.ConclusionTibial lengthening had a significantly lower complication rate and a higher callus formation rate than femoral lengthening. Our findings suggest that bilateral limb lengthening (tibia, followed by femur) remains a reasonable option; however, we should be more cautious when performing femoral lengthening in selected patients.

Is Bilateral Lower Limb Lengthening Appropriate for Achondroplasia?: Midterm Analysis of the Complications and Quality of Life

Use of the Ilizarov technique for limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia is controversial, with a high risk of complications balancing cosmetic gains. Although several articles have described the complications of this procedure and satisfaction of patients after surgery, it remains unclear whether lengthening improves the quality of life (QOL) of these patients. We asked whether bilateral lower limb lengthenings with deformity correction in patients with achondroplasia would improve QOL and investigated the correlation between complication rate and QOL. We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients (average age, 12.7 years) diagnosed with achondroplasia who underwent bilateral lower limb lengthenings between 2002 and 2005. These patients were compared with 22 patients with achondroplasia for whom limb lengthening was not performed. The two groups were assessed using the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) lower limb, SF-36, and Rosenberg self-esteem scores. Minimum followup was 4.5 years (range, 4.5-6.9 years). Among the lengthening group, the average gain in length was 10.21 ± 2.39 cm for the femur and 9.13 ± 2.12 cm for the tibia. A total of 123 complications occurred in these 88 segments. The surgical group had higher Rosenberg self-esteem scores than the nonsurgical group although there were no differences in the AAOS and the SF-36 scores. The self-esteem scores decreased with the increase in the number of complications. Our data suggest that despite frequent complications, bilateral lower limb lengthening increases patients' QOL. We believe lengthening is a reasonable option in selected patients. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Objective Guidelines for Removing an External Fixator after Tibial Lengthening Using Pixel Value Ratio: A Pilot Study

During limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail, decisions regarding external fixator removal and weightbearing depend on the amount of callus seen at the lengthening area on radiographs. However, this method is subjective and objective evaluation of the amount of callus likely would minimize nail or interlocking screw breakage and refracture after fixator removal. We asked how many cortices with full corticalization of the newly formed bone at the lengthening area are needed to allow fixator removal and full weightbearing and how to radiographically determine the stage of corticalization. We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients (34 lengthenings) who underwent bilateral tibial lengthenings over an intramedullary nail. The average gain in length was 7.2 +/- 3.4 cm. We determined the pixel value ratio (ratio of pixel value of regenerate versus the mean pixel value of adjacent bone) of the lengthened area on radiographs. There were no nail or screw breakage and refracture. Partial weightbearing with crutches was permitted when the pixel value ratio was 1 in two cortices and full weightbearing without crutches was permitted when the pixel value ratio was 1 in three cortices. The pixel value ratio on radiographs can be an objective parameter for callus measurement and may provide guidelines for the timing of external fixator removal. We cannot determine from our limited data the minimum pixel value in how many cortices would suggest safe removal, but we can say our criteria were not associated with subsequent refracture.

Salvage of failed dynamic hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric fractures

Twenty-six patients with failed dynamic hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric fractures were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 61 years (range, 38-84 years). Average limb shortening was 2.4 cm; 18 patients were treated with revision internal fixation and eight patients with prosthetic replacement. The decision depended on the physiological age of the patient, quality of bone, and condition of the femoral head and the acetabulum. The revision internal fixation group included DHS reinsertion in eight patients, valgus osteotomy and revision DHS fixation in six, while four patients were treated by valgus osteotomy and insertion of single-angled 130 degrees plate. The prosthetic replacement group included cemented Thompson endoprothesis in five patients and cemented total hip arthroplasty in three. The mean follow-up period was 31 months (range, 15-72 months). All patients of revision internal fixation group achieved fracture healing without bone grafting. Time to union averaged 17 weeks. Average gain in length was 2 cm Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred in one patient. Six patients of the prosthetic replacement group achieved good functional outcome and pain-free gait. The remaining two had unsatisfactory result.

Fourth Brachymetatarsia Treated with Distraction Osteogenesis

This study investigated metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis for fourth brachymetatarsia in 22 metatarsals (16 patients). From May 1997 to May 2000, lengthening was performed with a monoexternal fixator, and distraction was started at a rate of 0.5 mm per day after a latency period of approximately 7-10 days. The average gain in length was 16.5 mm (range, 13-21 mm), equivalent to an increase of 39% (range, 28-51%), and the average healing index was 72.9 days/cm (range, 51.7-95.7 days/cm). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) average score for lesser toe was 86.3 (range, 47-100). The most common residual complication was subluxation of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in five cases, with partial or total stiffness of the MTP joint. These complications happened in the group of metatarsals excessively lengthened more than 40% and made the AOFAS score poorer. The other complications were three cases of angular deformity in the lengthened bone, and two cases of pin-tract infection. Although distraction osteogenesis is an effective method to address fourth brachymetatarsia, stiffness or subluxation of the MTP joint was not uncommon. To avoid complications that can happen as a result of excessive lengthening, careful preoperative radiographic measurement to calculate the optimal amount of lengthening may help us to avoid overlengthening and the complications that accompany it.

Lengthening of the iliotibial band by femoral detachment and multiple puncture. A cadaver study.

Lengthening of the iliotibial band by various methods such as distal detachment, Z-plasty, or multiple puncture are common procedures for balancing the contracted valgus knee in total knee arthroplasty. This study was performed to measure the lengthening effect of multiple puncture and release of the distal femoral attachment of the iliotibial tract. In a cadaver study on 14 knees, we studied the possible elongation of the iliotibial band by distal femoral detachment (release of Kaplan's fibers) and multiple puncture of the distal half of the tract. Maximum elongation was measured under a constant tension of 60 N. The average gain in length of the combination of both procedures was 16.3 mm (range 12-23 mm) with a tension force of 60 N applied. The results show that a sufficient release of the iliotibial band can be achieved with the techniques except for severe cases of valgus deformation, where more effective methods to release the iliotibial band such as Z-plasty or complete dissection should be performed.

Interlocking Triple Pelvic Osteotomy in Severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

The authors reviewed 21 patients who underwent triple pelvic osteotomy for severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease to evaluate their clinical, functional, and radiologic results. The mean age at presentation was 7 years 7 months (range 5-11 years). Seventeen hips were Herring group C and 5 were group B. All of them had "at risk" radiologic signs. A new technique of interlocking iliac osteotomy was used to provide extra stability, allow early weight bearing, and prevent inadvertent retroversion. The average period of follow-up was 30 months (range 1-5 years). The average gain in Harris score was 34.3 (range 4-55). The average gain in acetabular head index was 18% and that in center-edge angle was 22 degrees, more than reported for any other single surgical procedure for containment of the subluxed femoral head. Average gains in abduction, internal rotation, and flexion were 17 degrees, 12 degrees, and 28 degrees respectively. Longer follow-up is required to see the results at maturity, but the early results are promising.

Limb Lengthening in Short Stature Patients

Summary: A series of 140 patients with short stature operated on for limb lengthening (80 had achondroplasia, 20 had hypochondroplasia, 20 had Turner syndrome, 10 had idiopathic short stature due to an undemonstrated cause, 5 regarded their stature as too short stature) was reviewed. psychopathic personality due to dysmorphophobia that had developed because of their short stature) was reviewed. All patients underwent symmetric lengthening of both femora and tibiae; 10 of these achondroplastic patients underwent lengthening of the humeri. We carried out the 580 lengthening procedures by means of three different surgical techniques: 440 callotasis, 120 chondrodiatasis and 20 mid-shaft osteotomy. In the 130 patients with a disproportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 18.2 ± 3.93 cm: 43.8% had complications and 3.8% had sequelae; the average treatment time was 31 months. In the 10 patients with proportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 10.8 ± 1.00 cm: 4 experienced complications and none had sequelae; the average treatment time was 21 months. Patients who underwent lengthening of the upper limbs experienced an average gain in length of 10.2 ± 1.25 cm: the average treatment time was 9 months and none of them experienced any complications or sequelae. The authors discuss how difficult it is to achieve the benefits of this surgery: they underline the strong commitment on the part of the patients and their families, the time in the hospital, the number of operations and, above all, the severity of those permanent sequelae that occurred.

Limb Lengthening in Short Stature Patients

A series of 140 patients with short stature operated on for limb lengthening (80 had achondroplasia, 20 had hypochondroplasia, 20 had Turner syndrome, 10 had idiopathic short stature due to an undemonstrated cause, 5 regarded their stature as too short, and 5 had a psychopathic personality due to dysmorphophobia that had developed because of their short stature) was reviewed. All patients underwent symmetric lengthening of both femora and tibiae; 10 of these achondroplastic patients underwent lengthening of the humeri. We carried out the 580 lengthening procedures by means of three different surgical techniques: 440 callotasis, 120 chondrodiatasis and 20 mid-shaft osteotomy. In the 130 patients with a disproportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 18.2 +/- 3.93 cm: 43.8% had complications and 3.8% had sequelae; the average treatment time was 31 months. In the 10 patients with proportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 10.8 +/- 1.00 cm: 4 experienced complications and none had sequelae; the average treatment time was 21 months. Patients who underwent lengthening of the upper limbs experienced an average gain in length of 10.2 +/- 1.25 cm: the average treatment time was 9 months and none of them experienced any complications or sequelae. The authors discuss how difficult it is to achieve the benefits of this surgery: they underline the strong commitment on the part of the patients and their families, the time in the hospital, the number of operations and, above all, the severity of those permanent sequelae that occurred.

Distraction Osteogenesis for Lengthening of the Tibia in Patients Who Have Limb-Length Discrepancy or Short Stature*

This study was performed to determine the safety and effectiveness of lengthening of the tibia, in patients who have a limb-length discrepancy or a short stature, with use of distraction osteogenesis, a technique based on the principle of distracting the callus that is formed after a subperiosteal osteotomy of the proximal portion of the diaphysis of a long bone. A total of 230 tibial lengthening procedures were done in 150 patients. Seventy procedures were performed because of a limb-length discrepancy, which was secondary to trauma (thirty limbs), congenital fibular hemimelia (twenty-six), poliomyelitis (ten), or infection (four). The remaining 160 procedures were performed because of a short stature, which was secondary to achondroplasia (fifty-eight limbs), Turner syndrome (thirty-four), an idiopathic etiology (twenty-two), hypochondroplasia (twenty), achondroplasia (ten), Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (six), rickets (four), or adrenogenital syndrome, Laron syndrome, or pseudoachondroplasia (two limbs each). The age of the patients at the time of the operation was 18.4+/-6.2 years (average and standard deviation), with a range of six to forty-one years. The procedures were performed according to one of three protocols. In Group A (ninety procedures), an Orthofix telescopic fixator and a variable number of screws were used and the tibiofibular syndesmosis was not stabilized; in Group B (ninety-six procedures), an Orthofix reconstruction system was used, the syndesmosis was stabilized, and a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed; and in Group C (forty-four procedures), an Orthofix Garches lengthening device was used, the syndesmosis was stabilized, and a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon was performed. At the time of the latest follow-up (average, five years; range, two to seven years), the average gain in length after the seventy procedures performed because of a limb-length discrepancy was 4.0+/-1.98 centimeters (range, 2.5 to 9.5 centimeters), or 14 percent (range, 7 to 45 percent). The average gain in length after the 160 procedures that were performed because of a short stature was 7.8+/-2.28 centimeters (range, 2.5 to fifteen centimeters), or 33 percent (range, 10 to 78 percent). Ten (14 percent) of the seventy procedures performed because of a limb-length discrepancy and forty-six (29 percent) of the 160 performed because of a short stature were associated with a complication. There was only one permanent sequela in the entire series. Although the three operative protocols resulted in similar healing indices, the rates of complications differed significantly among the groups (p<0.0001). Group C (the Garches device) had the lowest rate of complications (7 percent). It is important to be aware of potential complications as well as the need for additional procedures in order to avoid predictable problems. These procedures include percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and fixation of the distal segment of the fibula to the tibia to maintain the integrity of the tibiotalar articulation and the alignment of the foot.

The treatment of congenital brachymetatarsia by one-stage lengthening.

We performed one-stage lengthening using intercalary autogenous bone graft in 34 metatarsals and seven proximal phalanges in 21 patients with congenitally short metatarsals. At operation, in order to decrease the tension in the surrounding soft tissues, we gradually distracted the osteotomies of the affected bones for 20 to 30 minutes. The patients, all women, were followed up for a mean period of 2.1 years (1 to 6.5). The average gain in length for the 34 metatarsal procedures was 14 mm (6 to 21), equivalent to an increase of 32% (11 to 51), and for the seven proximal phalangeal lengthenings 8 mm (5 to 11), an increase of 54% (47 to 65). There was no evidence of neurovascular impairment. The technique of gradual distraction during operation is simple and effective. It overcomes the disadvantages of one-stage lengthening such as a small gain in length and neurovascular damage.

The treatment of congenital brachymetatarsia by one-stage lengthening

We performed one-stage lengthening using intercalary autogenous bone graft in 34 metatarsals and seven proximal phalanges in 21 patients with congenitally short metatarsals. At operation, in order to decrease the tension in the surrounding soft tissues, we gradually distracted the osteotomies of the affected bones for 20 to 30 minutes. The patients, all women, were followed up for a mean period of 2.1 years (1 to 6.5). The average gain in length for the 34 metatarsal procedures was 14 mm (6 to 21), equivalent to an increase of 32% (11 to 51), and for the seven proximal phalangeal lengthenings 8 mm (5 to 11), an increase of 54% (47 to 65). There was no evidence of neurovascular impairment. The technique of gradual distraction during operation is simple and effective. It overcomes the disadvantages of one-stage lengthening such as a small gain in length and neurovascular damage.

Daumenrekonstruktion durch kontinuierliche Verlängerung des ersten Mittelhandknochens

Reconstruction of the amputated thumb through continuous distraction with an Ilizarov ring fixator. Traumatic loss of thumb at the level of the proximal half of the proximal phalanx. Insufficient soft tissue coverage of stump. Stiff saddle joint. Tourniquet. Brachial plexus or general anaesthesia. Installation of a ring fixator. Incomplete osteotomy at mid shaft of first metacarpus with chisel and completion through osteoclasia by twisting the chisel. Preserve palmar periosteum. Deepening of first web space if necessary after removal of external fixator. Use of Z-plasty and proximal transfer of adductor pollicis insertion. After 1 week continuous lengthening 0.7 mm/day in 3 daily increments. After removal of fixator plaster cast for 2 weeks. Improper installation of fixator. Incomplete osteotomy. Too rapid or too slow distraction. Pin tract infection. Deep infection. Over a 2 year period 10 lengthenings. Average follow-up 23 months (10 to 36 months). Average gain in length 38.1 mm. Average length of treatment 163 days. Deepening of web space in 7 patients. Force of grasp 64% of opposite side. Pin tract infection: 4, too early removal of fixator: 1, revision of scar: 1 and correction of stump: 1. All patients were satisfied with the result but for scar at web space.

Leg lengthening by the transiliac method.

The transiliac method of leg lengthening uses a modification of Salter's innominate osteotomy. The bone graft increases the length of the hemipelvis distal to the sacro-iliac joint. Leg-length inequality in 23 patients was treated by this method with an average gain in length of 2.8 cm (2.0 to 3.5). Apart from one residual femoral nerve palsy there were no notable complications. The facility to redirect the acetabulum allowed by the technique, may be useful in cases of potential hip instability or acetabular dysplasia.

Limb Lengthening by Callotasis for Children and Adolescents

The callotasis technique of De Bastiani was used to perform 11 lower extremity lengthenings in ten pediatric and adolescent patients (aged 8.1-18 years). Average gain in length was 5.0 cm per segment (15% of original bone length). All lengthened segments healed without bone grafting or internal fixation. Healing index was 32 days per centimeter gained. The device was well tolerated and easily removed in the clinic setting. There were 13 minor complications, managed without hospitalization. Three angular deformities required manipulation under anesthesia. One angular deformity remains uncorrected, and one patient lacked 1.1 cm of achieving the desired length. All other patients gained the desired length. There were no refractures, deep infections, or other complications. Limb lengthening by the De Bastiani method is a satisfactory procedure for the pediatric and adolescent patient with moderate limb-length discrepancy.

Clavicular division technique. A new approach for lengthening the pectoralis flap.

Complications associated with using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap increase significantly when a portion of the paddle is randomized and/or the flap is closed under tension. The clavicular division technique was devised to increase the length of the flap to help alleviate this problem. Thirty pectoralis major muscle flaps were dissected in fresh cadavers, using the clavicular division technique. The length of the flap after transposition was measured and recorded before and after clavicular division. The distance from the sternal notch to the clavicular division point was also recorded. The average gain in length was found to be 2.9 cm, with a range of 0.5 cm to 6.5 cm. The clavicular division technique has been used since in five patients. The increase in length has allowed us to discard some or all of the random portion of the flap. We advocate the use of this procedure on any patient where the surgeon is concerned about the viability of the random portion of the flap and/or when it is felt that the tension on the suture line is excessive.

The influence of tissue expanders on grafted vessels.

Interpositionally grafted arteries and veins were expanded with a 20cc tissue expanders in 50 Sprague-Dawley rats. The grafts were done on both hind legs, one side was expanded and the remaining side was used as control. The average gain in length of expanded grafted arteries and veins was over 4 and 6 times that of the controls respectively. The differences in the patency rates between expanded and control grafts were not statistically significant. Histologic examination revealed that there were no changes in the areas of the media and lengths of the inner elastic laminae of the expanded arterial grafts. In both expanded and control vein grafts, marked intimal thickening was noticed, although these changes were not statistically significant. Expansion of grafted vessels can be safely carried out without loss of vessel patency.