[Distraction osteogenesis in orthopaedics]

For several decades, distraction osteogenesis has been applied in orthopaedics for lengthening limbs. Other indications for distraction osteogenesis in orthopaedics are nonunions, open fractures, oncologic defects, and ankle osteoarthritis. The main principle of distraction osteogenesis is that, with a certain degree of distraction of 2 bone segments, linear bone generation will take place between the 2 segments. The most frequent complications are infection, loosening and breaking of the introduced pins, osteomyelitis, and fracture of the newly generated bone. Disadvantages of distraction appliances are expensiveness, degree of technical difficulty, and a long training period. Distraction osteogenesis in orthopaedics is a very intensive treatment. Therefore, only patients who are motivated and well instructed and who are physically and mentally capable of coping with the fixtures are suitable.