Birkholtz, Franz FriedrichDe Lange, P.2017-05-192017-05-192016Birkholtz, 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. 67-71.1681-150X10.17159/2309-8309/2016/v15n1a7http://hdl.handle.net/2263/60578BACKGROUND : 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.enSouth African Orthopaedic AssociationLimb lengtheningIntramedullary lengtheningNail lengtheningLeg lengtheningPRECICE®Article