Functional results of operation in osteogenesis imperfecta: elongating and nonelongating rods

Gait capacity, operative intervention, and complications of operation were evaluated in 20 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Thirty-two Bailey-Dubow (B-D) rods and 24 nonelongating rods were used. Postoperatively, gait capacity improved in eight patients, regressed in three, and remained unchanged in nine. No preoperative ambulator regressed to a nonambulatory status. The Sillence disease type was not a prognostic indicator of giat capacity. The complication rate was 72% for the B-D rod and 50% for the nonelongating rod, although the percentage requiring reoperation was similar for both types of nails. There was no difference in longevity between the two nails.