Femoral Lengthening Research Articles

No osteolysis at the telescopic junction of 128 FITBONE lengthening nails

BackgroundMotorized lengthening nails are the treatment standard for bone lengthening of the lower limbs. However, bony changes namely osteolysis and periosteal hypertrophy have been described after certain type of magnetically driven lengthening nails. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion rate of radiological bone abnormalities of Fitbone TAA femoral or tibial lengthening nails with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year. HypothesisThe bone surrounding the telescopic junction of Fitbone lengthening nails does not exhibit osteolysis or periosteal reactions. The bone surrounding the locking screws exhibits cortical hypertrophy. Patients and methodsSingle-centre retrospective case series of patients treated with a Fitbone nails with a minimum follow-up of 1 year after implantation. Standard orthogonal radiographs were obtained postoperatively, weekly during the distraction phase, and then monthly for 6 months, and before removal of the equipment. We looked for bone abnormalities at the telescoping junction of the nail and at the locking screws before removal. ResultsIn total, 101 patients (58 males, 43 females) with a mean age of 21 years (range: 11.8–53.5) had 128 (101 femoral and 27 tibial) limb lengthening nails implanted between 2010 and 2021. The mean follow-up period was 925 days (range: 371–3587). The mean lengthening was 4.7cm (range: 1.5–8.0). No bones exhibited focal osteolysis or periosteal reactions at the telescopic junction of the lengthening nail. Cortical hypertrophy at the locking screws was observed in significantly more Fitbone nails than previously reported, i.e., 101/128 (79%). DiscussionNeither focal osteolysis, nor periosteal reactions were observed at the bone surrounding the telescopic junction of 128 Fitbone lengthening nails. Cortical hypertrophy around the single diaphyseal locking screw was observed in 101/128 (79%) of the cases. These absences of osteolytic changes after long term observation are reassuring for both surgeons and patients alike. Level of evidenceIV.

Femoral Discrepancy After Childhood Bone Sarcoma Surgery Can Be Treated With Magnetic Intramedullary Nails.

This study aims to determine whether femoral lengthening with a magnetic motorized intramedullary nail (PRECICE; NuVasive) is safe and effective in patients with discrepancy due to limb salvage performed for bone sarcomas before skeletal maturity. Six patients (male, 4; female, 2) with a mean age of 9.3 years (range, 4.8-12.8 years) at the time of index limb salvage surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Four patients had undergone biological reconstruction with liquid-nitrogen recycled frozen autograft shell and inlaid vascular fibula combination and 2 had undergone nonbiological reconstruction with distal femur modular tumor endoprosthesis. The mean age at PRECICE operation was 16.1 years (range, 13.4-20.1 years). The mean prelengthening femoral discrepancy was measured as 60 mm (range, 39-80 mm). Lengthening was achieved in 5 of these 6 patients. Although the PRECICE nail was successfully implanted in the sixth patient, lengthening could never be performed owing to failure to overcome the chronic diaphyseal nonunion first, as intended with compressive use of the nail. For the other 5 patients, in whom lengthening was performed, the mean lengthening was 45 mm (range, 35-52 mm), the mean ratio of achieved to planned lengthening was 93% (range, 74%-100%), and the mean bone-healing index was 41 days per cm (range, 24-69 days per cm). Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score improved from 25.6 to 27.2 after lengthening. No major complications occurred. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that the PRECICE implant can safely and effectively correct femoral length discrepancy caused by limb salvage performed for osteosarcoma before skeletal maturity. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(1):27-34.].

Reply to the Letter to the Editor: What Are the Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Magnetically Driven Antegrade Intramedullary Lengthening Nails for Femoral Lengthening to Treat Leg Length Discrepancy?

Reply to the Letter to the Editor: What Are the Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Magnetically Driven Antegrade Intramedullary Lengthening Nails for Femoral Lengthening to Treat Leg Length Discrepancy?

Letter to the Editor: What Are the Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Magnetically Driven Antegrade Intramedullary Lengthening Nails for Femoral Lengthening to Treat Leg Length Discrepancy?

1Professor, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt G. A. Hosny ✉, Benha Faculty of Medicine 53 Misr Helwan Road, Cairo, 11431, Egypt, Email: [email protected] (RE: Frommer A, Roedl R, Gosheger G, et al. What are the potential benefits and risks of using magnetically driven antegrade intramedullary lengthening nails for femoral lengthening to treat leg length discrepancy? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2022;480:790-803.) The author certifies that there are no funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article related to the author or any immediate family members. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR® or The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®.

Does the technique of limb lengthening affect physeal growth in patient with achondroplasia? Comparison of the simultaneous and consecutive tibia and femur lengthening with external fixators.

We aimed to retrospectively investigate and compare patients who underwent bilateral simultaneous and consecutive lengthening surgery of the femur and tibia in terms of the effect on physeal growth. We hypothesize that compared with the sequential lengthening technique, simultaneous lengthening of the bilateral femur and tibia affects physeal growth to a greater extent. Twenty-six patients with achondroplasia who operated in our clinic between 1995 and 2015 for limb lengthening were included in the study. Fourteen patients with bilateral lengthening of the femur and tibia at the same time were named as simultaneous bilateral lengthening (SBL). Twelve patients with bilateral lengthening of the femur and then bilateral tibia lengthening in other sections or vice versa, at a different time was named consecutive bilateral lengthening (CBL). All patients were followed until at least 18 years old. The physeal arrest was measured with predicted final length at the first visit (investigated with the multiplier method), the total amount of lengthening, and final clinical, and radiological length. Mean limb lengthening was 145 mm (48.5%) and 151 mm (46.6%) for simultaneous and consecutive groups respectively. For lower extremity length, the first group reached 527.6 mm while the expected was 447.3 mm. Considering 151 mm lengthening, the mean growth disturbance for the SBL group was 70.7 mm and for the CBL group was 47.5 mm. For total height comparing between two groups, disturbance for height was 80.5 mm and 65.4 mm, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference, simultaneous bilateral femoral and tibial lengthening has more physiological physeal disturbance effects than consecutive lengthening in patients with achondroplasia.

Motorized Plate Lengthening of the Femur in Children: A Preliminary Report.

Limb lengthening by distraction osteogenesis can be performed with motorized internal devices, but intramedullary implants risk avascular necrosis of the femoral head in young children. A method of internal limb lengthening using a motorized expandable plate has been developed and preliminary results are presented. Seven skeletally immature patients (ages 2.7 to 9.7y) with congenital femoral deficiencies underwent femoral lengthening with the use of a magnetic expandable plate. Surgical details, lengthening parameters, Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society-Angular deformity, Infection, Motion index, and complications were reviewed and classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo system. An average lengthening was 4.1cm (range, 3.3 to 4.4cm) comprising 18% of initial femoral segment length (range, 14% to 21%). The average lengthening phase was 50.2 days (range, 40 to 57d) and weight-bearing was initiated at an average of 13 weeks from surgery (range, 8 to 18wk). Limb deformities and length discrepancies were of moderate complexity, with an Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society-Angular deformity, Infection, Motion score of 6.57 (range, 6 to 7). Complication rates were comparable to previously reported methods of femoral lengthening. One patient underwent reoperation for patellar instability and 1 patient experienced radiographic hip subluxation which was observed. Small magnitude varus was observed in regenerate in 3 of 7 cases, none requiring treatment. Preoperative planning consisted of careful localization of the corticotomy site, acute deformity correction at the lengthening site in 3 cases, and implant orientation. Limb lengthening with motorized internal plates is feasible for young children with congenital femoral deficiency for whom intramedullary lengthening is unsafe or if external fixation is to be avoided. However, the fundamental principles of distraction osteogenesis and risks of lengthening for congenital discrepancies remain unchanged. Specific considerations herein include: careful planning of implant length and positioning, adjacent joint protection with adjunctive means, and mitigating deformity of the regenerate during distraction. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Motorized Intramedullary Nail Lengthening in the Older Population

Limb lengthening has not been widely employed in the elderly population due to concerns that outcomes will be inferior. The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective case-control series was to report the bone healing outcomes and complications of lower limb lengthening in older patients (≥60 years) using magnetic intramedullary lengthening nail (MILN). Our hypothesis was that healing parameters including consolidation days, the consolidation index, maturation days, and the maturation index, as well as the number of adverse events reported in the older population, would be no different to those of the general adult population. We retrospectively reviewed charts and radiographs from patients ≥60 years of age with limb-length discrepancies who underwent femoral or tibial lengthening using a MILN. Parameters were compared among the age categories “≤19 years,” “20–39 years,” “40–59 years,” or “≥60 years” and propensity-matched cohorts for the age groups 20–59 years and ≥60 years. Complications were reported as percentages for each age category. In the study period, 354 MILN were placed in 257 patients. Sixteen nails were placed in patients 60 years of age or older (mean 65 ± 5 years; range 60–72 years). Comparisons of healing parameters showed no difference between those aged 60+ and the younger cohort. Complication percentages were not statistically significant (p = 0.816). Limb lengthening with MILN may therefore be considered a safe and feasible option for a generally healthy elderly population.

Effects of Aquatic Physical Therapy in Children With Congenital Femoral Deficiency Who Underwent Bone Lengthening Using an External Fixator: A Case Report

Introduction and Objective: Congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) is a malformation that affects 0.2 persons per 10,000 live births. The orthopedic treatment proposed for this disease is bone lengthening using an external fixator (EF). During this treatment, reductions in the range of motion (ROM) of the knee, alterations in the gait speed (GS), and worse quality of life (QOL) commonly occur. Therefore, rehabilitation of patients with CFD receiving this treatment is essential. Aquatic physical therapy (APT) is an innovative approach for this population, however, there are no reports on the effects of APT in patients with CFD after bone lengthening. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of APT on the knee ROM, GS, and QOL of 2 children with CFD implanted with an EF. Case Description: Two children with right-sided CFD implanted with an EF were selected. They received an APT protocol focusing on balance, muscle activation, analgesia and mobility of the right knee, and gait. The right knee ROM, GS, and QOL were measured using right knee goniometry, a 10-m walk test before and after each session, and the Child Health Questionnaire–Parent Form 50 before and after the protocol. Results: An increase in the ROM of the right knee and an improvement in the QOL were observed after the protocol. Only one of the children had an increased GS. Conclusion: The APT protocol increased the knee ROM and improved QOL of the 2 children with CFD implanted with an EF.

Surgical hip dislocation with relative femoral neck lengthening and retinacular soft-tissue flap for sequela of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

ObjectiveCorrection of post-LCP (Legg–Calve–Perthes) morphology using surgical hip dislocation with retinacular flap and relative femoral neck lengthening for impingent correction reduces the risk of early arthritis and improves the survival of the native hip joint.IndicationsTypical post-LCP deformity with external and internal hip impingement due to aspherical enlarged femoral head and shortened femoral neck with high riding trochanter major without advanced osteoarthritis (Tönnis classification ≤ 1) in the younger patient (age < 50 years).ContraindicationsAdvanced global osteoarthritis (Tönnis classification ≥ 2).Surgical techniqueBy performing surgical hip dislocation, full access to the hip joint is gained which allows intra-articular corrections like cartilage and labral repair. Relative femoral neck lengthening involves osteotomy and distalization of the greater trochanter with reduction of the base of the femoral neck, while maintaining vascular perfusion of the femoral head by creation of a retinacular soft-tissue flap.Postoperative managementImmediate postoperative mobilization on a passive motion device to prevent capsular adhesions. Patients mobilized with partial weight bearing of 15 kg with the use of crutches for at least 8 weeks.ResultsIn all, 81 hips with symptomatic deformity of the femoral head after healed LCP disease were treated with surgical hip dislocation and offset correction between 1997 and 2020. The mean age at operation was 23 years; mean follow-up was 9 years; 11 hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty and 1 patient died 1 year after the operation. The other 67 hips showed no or minor progression of arthrosis. Complications were 2 subluxations due to instability and 1 pseudarthrosis of the lesser trochanter; no hip developed avascular necrosis.

The Relationship Between Limb Lengthening Rate and Callus Quality in Patients with Achondroplasia.

This study investigated the effect of the femur, tibia, and humeral lengthening rate in patients with achondroplasia and regenerated bone quality. The records of the patients with achondroplasia who underwent limb lengthening surgery for both upper and lower extremities between 2002 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Bone formation regeneration was evaluated in each segment at anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and the callus quality was determined at the first month of the consolidation period according to Li's classification system. This study included 42 (28 females and 14 males), 38 (26 females and 12 males), and 17 (11 females and 6 males) patients with bilateral femoral, bilateral tibial, and bilateral humeral lengthening. The mean lengthening rate was 0.920 ± 0.23 (range, 0.53-1.67), 0.813 ± 0.17 (range, 0.51-1.26), and 1.02 ± 0.26 (range, 0.58-150) mm/day in the femoral, tibial, humeral groups, respectively. In the femoral group, 75% femur with good morphological quality, 56.6% good morphological quality in tibial group and 55.9% good morphological quality in humeral group. Statistically significant relationships were found between femoral lengthening rate and callus quality (p < 0.001; r = 0.454). However, no significant correlation was found in the humeral and tibial groups. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of the lengthening rate for obtaining good morphological quality callus were 72% and 80%, respectively, with an optimum diagnostic cutoff value of 0.976mm/day for femoral lengthening. A higher-rate good morphological callus was obtained in femoral lengthening compared with tibia and humerus in patients with achondroplasia.

Intraarticular hip preservation procedures in healed Perthes disease: a systemic review and meta-analysis

Background: There is limited data about surgical options in treatment of healed Perthes disease. The authors conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare two newly described surgical techniques: femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) and relative femoral neck lengthening (RFNL) in the management of healed Perthes disease in terms of efficacy and complications. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined controlled and noncontrolled studies that compared FHRO and RFNL. The authors searched the Medline database via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2000 and February 2021. Results: Fourteen studies that assessed RFLN and five studies that assessed FHRO were examined. The FHRO group demonstrated better improvement in the Harris Hip Score (HHS) than RFLN. The RFNL group showed better improvement than the FHRO group regarding flexion and internal rotation degree. The incidence of postoperative pain and postoperative stiffness was higher in the FHRO group than in the RFNL group. In the FHRO group, 28 patients with postoperative complications were reported (59.5%) versus 72 patients in the RFNL (16.4%). Conclusion: FHRO and RNFL are effective and safe modalities for post-Perthes sequelae. However, the postoperative clinical outcomes were observed to be in favor of RFNL, with less incidence of postoperative complication, compared to the FHRO. Moreover, the FHRO group needed more secondary acetabular procedures than the RFNL group. On the other hand, FHRO showed observed greater improvements in radiographic coverage indices. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Bifocal femoral lengthening assisted by preoperative 3-dimensional design in the restoration of posttraumatic limb length discrepancy

BackgroundTo assess the clinical outcomes of preoperative three-dimensional planning followed by bifocal femoral lengthening in the treatment of posttraumatic limb length discrepancy (LLD).MethodsA total of 8 eligible patients with posttraumatic femoral LLD > 6 cm were admitted to our institution from January 2015 to January 2018 and treated by bifocal femoral lengthening with the assistance of 3-dimensional imaging technology. The following data were collected: detailed demographic information, the amount of lengthening, external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), postoperative bone and functional outcomes, and complications in the follow-up period.ResultsAll included patients were successfully followed up for in an average of 55.4 ± 6.7 months after removal of the external fixator. There were six males and two females with an average age of 38.4 ± 12.2 years. The mean preoperative LLD was 69.2 ± 6.2 mm. The mean lengthening amount was 67.5 ± 6.9 mm. The mean EFT was 180.1 ± 20.2 days. The EFI was 26.73 ± 1.36 days/cm on average. All patients achieved satisfactory postoperative bone and functional outcomes. No major complications such as nerve or vascular injury were observed.ConclusionsBifocal femoral lengthening with preoperative three-dimensional design provided precise surgical guidance and resulted in satisfactory postoperative outcomes, demonstrating that it is an effective treatment for posttraumatic femoral LLD.

Improvement of the sagittal alignment of the spine in patients with achondroplasia after subtrochanteric femoral lengthening.

Limb-lengthening surgery to treat short stature has undergone great development in recent years with the use of intramedullary telescopic nails (TIMNs). A limited number of studies have explored the impact of lower limb lengthening on the spine, though their conclusions are not consistent. The aim of this research is to analyze changes in spinopelvic sagittal alignment and balance after lower limb lengthening in achondroplastic patients. Prospective study of patients with achondroplasia treated with bilateral femoral lengthening using an TIMN. Different sagittal spinal and pelvic plane parameters were measured on pre- and 2year postoperative lateral spine radiographs: cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, TL junction, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and sagittal vertebral axis (SVA). Similarly, information regarding the elongation procedure was recorded. A total of 10 patients were included (60% male), with a median age of 13.39 (2.32) years at first surgery and a median height of 120.3 (5.75) cm. A 10cm elongation was performed in all patients through femoral subtrochanteric osteotomy. Statistically significant changes were found in LL -15.2 (7.4-17.9)º (p = 0.028), PT 11.7 (10.3-13.4)º (p = 0.018), SS -11.6 (-13.4 to -10.4)º (p = 0.018) and |SVA| -34.3 (-39.10 to -1.7) mm (p = 0.043). Bilateral lower limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia not only increases their size, but also improves sagittal spinopelvic alignment and balance. This may be due to retroversion of the pelvis and subsequent decrease in SS and LL as a result of the increased tightness of the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles after femoral lengthening through subtrochanteric osteotomy. II, prospective comparative cohort study, before and after intervention.

Use of the Pixel Value Ratio Following Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: Uncomplicated Full Weight-bearing at Lower Threshold Values.

AimsThe pixel value ratio (PVR) can be used to assess regenerate consolidation after lengthening and guide advice for full weight-bearing (FWB). This study aimed to analyse the PVR in adults having femoral lengthening, the time to FWB and compare findings with the reported values in the literature.Materials and methodsA retrospective database review identified 100 eligible patients who underwent lengthening using the PRECICE nail (68 antegrade and 32 retrograde). The PVR was calculated in each cortex on plain radiographs at every visit. The ratio between the regenerate and an average from the adjacent normal bone was calculated and plotted against the clinical decision to allow FWB.ResultsEighty-seven patients (58 men and 29 women) were assessed; eleven had bilateral lengthening and two patients underwent lengthening twice. The median age was 30.5 years. The underlying cause of shortening was post-traumatic in 46%, with the remaining due to a wide variety of causes, including congenital 16%, syndromic 12% and other causes. The median lengthening achieved was 45 mm, at a median of 57.5 days. The PVR increased with each visit (p <0.0001). FWB was allowed at a median of 42 days after the last day of lengthening, with PVR values of 0.83, 0.84, 0.93 and 0.84 for the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral cortex noted, respectively (average 0.85). There were no implant failures, shortening or regenerate fractures. No differences were detected between antegrade and retrograde nails or with lengthening greater or less than 45 mm. One surgeon allowed earlier FWB at median 31 days with no nail failures.ConclusionPVR is a valuable tool that quantifies regenerate maturity and provides objectivity in deciding when to allow FWB after intramedullary lengthening with the PRECICE nail. FWB was permitted at an earlier time point, corresponding with lower PVR values than have been reported in the literature and with no mechanical failure or regenerate deformation.How to cite this articleElsheikh AA, Wright J, Stoddart MT, et al. Use of the Pixel Value Ratio Following Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: Uncomplicated Full Weight-bearing at Lower Threshold Values. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2022;17(1):14–18.

Relative Femoral Neck Lengthening in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BackgroundTotal hip replacement (THR) in patients with a history of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease can be a technically challenging procedure due to the distorted hip morphology. We propose a technique in which THR is preceded by a modified relative femoral neck lengthening (RFNL) procedure. Hereby, we aim to restore the biomechanical parameters.MethodsTwenty-eight patients underwent RFNL in preparation of a second-stage THR between December 2011 and September 2019. The mean age was 38.1 ± 11.4 years. Radiographs were analyzed for centrotrochanteric distance, lateral displacement of the greater trochanter, and leg length discrepancy to assess the biomechanical restoration. Complication rate, reoperation rate, and patient-reported outcome measures were measured.ResultsMean centrotrochanteric distance increased from −18.7 ± 6.7 mm preoperatively to 1.9 ± 9.0 mm (P < .001) after RFNL and to 11.4 ± 10.4 mm after THR (P < .001). Mean lateral displacement of the greater trochanter increased from 34.2 ± 8.1 mm preoperatively to 42.4 ± 5.2 mm (P < .001) after RFNL and to 49.9 ± 8.3 mm after THR (P < .001). Leg length discrepancy decreased from 17.5 ± 10.5 mm to 2.7 ± 2.2 mm after THR (P < .001). Mean Harris Hip Score improved from 56.9 ± 17.6 preoperatively to 89.4 ± 10.7 at the latest follow-up (P < .001). Eight patients (8 hips) postponed THR because of sufficient clinical improvement, at a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.1 years. Two hips needed a revision RFNL due to non-union (7.1%), and 1 hip replacement was revised due to a deep infection (5.0%).ConclusionsRFNL prior to THR in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis following Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease allows for utilizing regular implants with straight access to the femoral canal, with restored biomechanics and restoration of leg length. The prominent overhanging greater trochanter is reduced to prevent postoperative extra-articular impingement.

What Factors Correlate With Length of Stay and Readmission After Limb Lengthening Procedures? A Large-database Study.

Indications and techniques for limb lengthening procedures have evolved over the past two decades. Although there are several case series reporting on the complications and efficacy of these techniques, limited data are available on length of stay and hospital readmission rates after these procedures. (1) What is the median length of stay after lower limb lengthening procedures, and is variability in patient demographics, preoperative diagnosis, and surgical technique associated with length of stay? (2) What is the 1-year readmission rate after lower limb lengthening procedures? (3) Is variability in patient demographics, preoperative diagnosis, and surgical technique associated with varying rates of hospital readmission? Patients who underwent femoral or tibial lengthening from 2005 to 2015 in seven states were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases. These databases include a large, diverse group of patients across a wide range of hospitals and socioeconomic backgrounds with inclusion of patients regardless of payer. Between 2005 and 2015, there were 3979 inpatient admissions that were identified as involving femoral and/or tibial lengthening procedures based on ICD-9 procedure codes; of those, 2% (97 of 3979) of the inpatient admissions were excluded from analysis because they had ICD-9 procedure codes for primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty, and 10% (394 of 3979) of the inpatient admissions were excluded because they involved repeated admissions of patients with previous hospitalization data within the database. This yielded 3488 patients for analysis. The median (interquartile range) age of patients was 18 years (12 to 41), and 42% (1481 of 3488) of patients were women. A total of 49% (1705 of 3469) of patients were children (younger than 18 years), 19% (675 of 3469) were young adults (18 to 34 years), 24% (817 of 3469) were adults (35 to 59 years), and 8% (272 of 3469) were seniors (60 years and older). Length of stay and rates of readmission at 1 year after the lengthening procedure were calculated. Univariate analysis was performed to examine associations between age, race, payment method, underlying diagnosis, bone lengthened, and lengthening technique with length of stay and readmission rate. Factors found to be significantly associated with the outcome variables (p < 0.05) were further examined with a multivariate analyses. Included patients had a median (IQR) length of hospital stay of 3 days (2 to 4). Given the poor explanatory power of the multivariate model for length of stay (R 2 = 0.03), no meaningful correlations could be drawn between age, race, underlying diagnosis, lengthening technique, and length of stay. The overall 1-year readmission rate was 35% (1237 of 3488). There were higher readmission rates among adult patients compared with pediatric patients (odds ratio 1.78 [95% confidence interval 1.46 to 2.18]; p < 0.001), patients with government insurance compared with commercial insurance (OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.54]; p = 0.01), and patients undergoing lengthening via external fixation (OR 1.61 [95% CI 1.29 to 2.02]; p < 0.001) or hybrid fixation (OR 1.81 [95% CI 1.38 to 2.37]; p < 0.001) compared with lengthening with internal fixation only. When counseling patients who may be candidates for limb lengthening, providers should inform individual patients and their caretakers on the anticipated length of hospital stay and likelihood of hospital readmission based on our findings. Adult patients, those with government insurance, and patients undergoing hybrid or external fixator limb lengthening procedures should be advised that they are at greater risk for hospital readmission. The relationship of specific patient-related factors (such as severity of deformity or associated comorbidities) and treatment-related variables (such as amount of lengthening, compliance with physical therapy, or surgeon's experience) with clinical outcomes after lower limb lengthening and the burden of care associated with hospital readmission needs further study. Level III, therapeutic study.

Intramedullary Fixation of Double-Barrel Vascularised Fibula Grafts With Subsequent Lengthening for Reconstruction of the Distal Femur in Patients With Osteosarcoma.

The use of vascularised fibula grafts is an accepted method for reconstructing the distal femur following resection of malignant childhood tumors. Limitations relate to the mismatch of the cross-sectional area of the transplanted fibula graft and the local bone, instability of the construct and union difficulties. We present midterm results of a unique staged technique-an immediate defect reconstruction using a double-barrel vascularised fibula graft set in in A-frame configuration and a subsequent intramedullary femoral lengthening. We retrospectively included 10 patients (mean age 10 y) with an osteosarcoma of the distal femur, who were treated according to the above-mentioned surgical technique. All patients were evaluated with regards to consolidation of the transplanted grafts, hypertrophy at the graft-host junctions, leg length discrepancies, lengthening indices, complications as well as functional outcome. The mean defect size after tumor resection was 14.5 cm, the mean length of the harvested fibula graft 22 cm, resulting in a mean (acute) shortening of 4.7 cm (in 8 patients). Consolidation was achieved in all cases, 4 patients required supplementary bone grafting. Hypertrophy at the graft-host junctions was observed in 78% of the evaluable junctions. In total 11 intramedullary lengthening procedures in 9 patients had been performed at the last follow up. The mean Muskuloskeletal Society Rating Scale (MSTS) score of the evaluable 9 patients was 85% (57% to 100%) with good or excellent results in 7 patients. A-frame vascularised fibula reconstructions showed encouraging results with respect to defect reconstruction, length as well as function and should therefore be considered a valuable option for reconstruction of the distal femur after osteosarcoma resection. The surgical implementation is demanding though, which is emphasized by the considerable high number of complications requiring surgical intervention, even though most were not serious. Level IV-case series.

Combined Surgical Dislocation and Periacetabular Osteotomy for Complex Residual Legg-Calvé-Perthes Deformities: Intermediate-Term Outcomes.

Residual Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) deformities represent one of the most challenging disorders in hip reconstructive surgery. In complex cases, both instability (acetabular dysplasia) and multifocal femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (proximal femoral deformities) require correction. We assessed intermediate-term patient-reported outcome measures, radiographic correction, complications, and survivorship for combined surgical dislocation (SD) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for the treatment of complex LCP deformities. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 31 hips with complex LCP deformities undergoing combined SD and PAO for concurrent instability and FAI. Treatment included femoral head reshaping, trochanteric advancement and relative femoral neck lengthening, management of intra-articular lesions, and PAO. Twenty-seven hips (87%) had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The mean age was 19.8 years, 56% of patients were female, and 44% of patients had undergone a previous surgical procedure. At a mean of 8.4 years, 85% of hips (23 of 27) remained preserved (no conversion to total hip arthroplasty). The survivorship estimates were 93% at 5 years and 85% at 10 years. The median (and interquartile range) increased from 64 points (55, 67 points) to 92 points (70, 97 points) (p < 0.001) for the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and from 60 points (45, 75 points) to 86 points (75, 100 points) (p = 0.001) for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. Symptoms (mHHS < 70 points) were reported for an additional 19% of hips (n = 5) at the final follow-up. The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score increased from a median of 8 points (6, 10 points) to 9 points (7, 10 points) (p = 0.207). Structural correction included mean improvement (and standard deviation) of 15.3° ± 7.6° for acetabular inclination, 20.7° ± 10.8° for the lateral center-edge angle, 23.4° ± 16.3° for the anterior center-edge angle, and 18 ± 10 mm for trochanteric height (p < 0.001 for all). Complications occurred in 2 hips (7%), including 1 deep wound infection and 1 superficial wound infection. There was 1 reoperation due to complication, but there were no nerve palsies, thromboembolic events, fractures, or nonunions. At an intermediate follow-up of combined SD and PAO for complex LCP deformities, 85% of hips were preserved. This procedure provides reliable deformity correction, major pain relief, improved function, and acceptable complication and failure rates. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Femoral Lengthening in Children: A Comparison of Motorized Intramedullary Nailing Versus External Fixation Techniques.

Femoral lengthening is associated with high complication rates often related to the type of surgical device used to perform the lengthening. The advent of intramedullary lengthening devices has promised a reduction in complications when compared with external fixation systems. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of femoral lengthening in children using a motorized intramedullary nail (Precice) versus an external fixation system (Taylor Spatial Frame-TSF; or Monolateral Rail System-MRS) at a single institution, single surgeon practice. This study is a retrospective comparison of pediatric patients who had previously undergone femoral lengthening (±deformity correction). Patients ages 8 to 18 years of age were included and grouped based on whether they had undergone Precice nailing or external fixation (TSF or MRS) between 2010 and 2019. Twenty-seven patients (32 femurs) were included. Thirteen patients (15 femurs) had undergone Precice nailing and 14 patients (17 femurs) had undergone external fixation. The Precice group had significantly fewer problems, obstacles, and complications than the external fixation group, Precice 6.6%, 0%, 0%, respectively, and external fixation 47.1%, 29.4%, 0% respectively (P<0.01). Unplanned return to the operating room occurred in 4 cases, solely in the external fixation group. There were no differences in percentage of goal length achieved, Precice (mean 93.6%, range: 66.7% to 114.3%), external fixation (mean 96%, range: 76.9% to 117.5%) P=0.31 and total length achieved, Precice (mean: 44 mm, range: 20 to 80 mm), external fixation (mean: 46 mm, range: 10 to 70 mm) P=0.72. There was no difference in consolidation index, Precice (24.1 d/cm), external fixation (28.5 d/cm) P=0.36. The Precice group had a significantly shorter length of stay (mean: 2.2 d, range: 1 to 4 d), compared with the external fixation group (mean: 3.7 d, range: 2 to 8), P=0.01. Femoral lengthening in children using a motorized intramedullary nail was associated with a markedly reduced rate of complications and shorter length of stay compared with external fixation. Level III.

Femoral lengthening using ilizarov ring fixator and slotted plate

Background: Femoral lengthening is generally considered a cumbersome procedure due to the long fixator duration and complexity of the surgery. Lengthening over nail and lengthening over plate (LOP) have solved most of the problems but are associated with the risk of deep infection and plate prominence, respectively. We report a series of 14 cases with the use of a slotted plate to minimize both the problems. Materials and Methods: The study includes 14 patients, 8 females and 6 males, including four children. The average age of patients was 17.8 years, ranging from 7 years to 30 years. Femoral lengthening was performed with Ilizarov external fixator and slotted plate. Results: The target length ranged from 3 cm to 7 cm with an average of 4.6 cm. External fixator duration achieved ranged from 42 days to 92 days with a mean external fixator duration of 61.5 days. The mean external fixator index was 13.3 days/cm. We had no incidence of plate prominence or deep infection. We had four cases of knee stiffness, of which one needed surgery. All the patients had good quality regenerate and consolidation. Conclusion: The use of a slotted plate for LOP in femoral lengthening is a useful technique to minimize the incidence of plate prominence associated with LOP.