Evaluation of the first experience of intramedullary nail lengthening using PRECICE® in a South African limb lengthening and reconstruction unit
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Date
Authors
Birkholtz, Franz Friedrich
De Lange, P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Orthopaedic Association
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Limb lengthening is performed through distraction osteogenesis after osteotomy and has
traditionally been performed using external fixation. The PRECICE® Limb Lengthening System has recently
emerged as an alternative method to control distraction. In this study, the first experience of intramedullary nail
lengthening using PRECICE®, in a South African limb lengthening and reconstruction unit, was evaluated in
terms of the accuracy of distraction and the number of implant-related complications that were reported.
METHODS : A total of nine patients underwent the limb lengthening procedure in 11 limb segments. Distraction of
the nail was initiated by ERC (external remote controller) around 10 days after surgery at a distraction rate of
1 mm/day. The distraction was monitored every 2 weeks by clinical and radiographic examinations. Ongoing
physiotherapy rehabilitation was performed until consolidation was achieved.
RESULTS : A mean target distraction length of 45.18 mm (15 to 65 mm range) was obtained over an average followup
period of 266 days, with an accuracy of 103% ± 18%. All the distraction segments united. Two complications
were reported that were successfully treated.
CONCLUSION : Limb lengthening using the PRECICE® nail system was found to have excellent accuracy of
distraction, which is reproducible between different segments and indications. Acceptable complication rates
were observed in this study.
Description
Keywords
Limb lengthening, Intramedullary lengthening, Nail lengthening, Leg lengthening, PRECICE®
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Birkholtz, FF & De Lange, P 2016, 'Evaluation of the first experience of intramedullary nail lengthening using PRECICE® in a South African limb lengthening and reconstruction unit', SA Orthopaedic Journal, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 67-71.