Clinical Outcomes of Lower Extremity Lenghtening Osteotomies

Abstract

Aim: In this study; We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of distraction cases with distraction osteogenesis technique using monolateral and annular external fixator in patients who suffer from lower extremity shortness.Patients and Methods: In our study, we tried to explain the results of the lower extremity osteotomy operations using distraction osteogenesis technique in the 16 lower extremities of 12 patients. Seven of the patients were female and 5 of them were male. The mean age of the patients was 11.8 (4-26) years. Four of the patients' femurs, 4 of the patients' tibias, and 4 of the patients' both femurs and tibias were extended. A monolateral external fixator (orthoFix) was used in the distraction of 15 patients, and Ilizarov's ringed external fixator was used in the extension of one patient.Results: The average length of extension was 3.5 cm (2-7), the waiting period before extension was 13.2 days (9-20), the healing index was approximately 52 (31-90), the ratio of gained lenght to the extended bone segment was approximately 13,6% (5%-19%) and the average duration of stay of fixators was 182 days (140-270). Twenty complications were observed in the 16 lower extremity lengthening procedures. The most common complication (in 9 patients) was angulation. Conclusion: In the extensions depending one Ilizarov's extension principles, the extensions are successful;but it should not be forgotten that the number of complications might be excessive and operation experience is also important.

Keywords

• lengthening
• lower extremity
• osteotomy
• alt ekstremite
• osteotomi
• uzatma