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The humerus is the best place for bone lengthening
Sándor Kiss1, Károly Pap, Tibor Vízkelety
1Department of Orthopaedics, Semmelweis University of Budapest, Budapest, 27 Karolina street, 1113, Hungary. kisssan@freemail.hu
International Orthopaedics
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Lengthening the humerus using the unilateral Wagner fixator effectively treats humeral shortening in young patients. This method achieved significant bone lengthening without bone grafting or plate fixation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopaedics
- Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction
Background:
- Congenital hypoplasia, osteomyelitis, and other conditions can lead to significant humeral shortening in children and young adults.
- Effective surgical techniques are crucial for restoring limb length and function in affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of humerus lengthening using a unilateral Wagner fixator in a cohort of pediatric and young adult patients.
- To assess the outcomes and complications associated with this limb lengthening technique.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 11 humerus lengthening procedures performed between 1984 and 2005.
- Utilized a unilateral Wagner fixator with a daily distraction rate of 1 mm after a 7-day latency period.
- Fixator removal occurred upon complete bone healing, with no concurrent plate fixation or bone grafting.
Main Results:
- The average lengthening achieved was 6.2 cm (27% of original length), with a mean healing index of 32 days/cm.
- The procedure was performed on ten patients (five males, five females) with an average age of 17.8 years.
- One patient experienced temporary radial nerve palsy and elbow flexion contracture, considered fixator-related complications.
Conclusions:
- Humerus lengthening with the unilateral Wagner fixator is an effective treatment for humeral shortening in pediatric and young adult populations.
- The modified technique, allowing fixator retention until complete bony consolidation, eliminates the need for secondary procedures like bone grafting or plate fixation.
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