[Possibilities and limitations of ultrasonography in corticotomy/callus distraction]

Sonographic examination can yield additional information free of radiation in the course of corticotomy/callus distraction. The echogenic structures of the cortical structure and the callus between can be scanned at the area of the callus distraction by ultrasound examination. Individual sectional planes are focussed. They are different from the standardized ultrasound examination. Depending on when the corticotomy was performed, the callus between the cortical structures can be visualized sonographically. First it is echo poor, and then it becomes more and more echogenic. The ultrasound examination can give additional information during the first 4 weeks after corticotomy/callus distraction. A deviation of the axis in the area of callus distraction cannot be judged reliably. A sonographically guided division into three stages is possible.