Intramedullary limb lengthening with the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor in the lower limb

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Skeletal reconstruction

Background:

• Intramedullary lengthening devices offer an alternative to external fixators for limb lengthening.
• Assessing implant-specific complications is crucial for device improvement and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complications of intramedullary leg lengthening using the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor.
• To differentiate between implant-specific difficulties and those independent of the device.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 69 unilateral lengthenings (58 femora, 11 tibiae) between 2002 and 2009.
• Utilized Paley's classification for problem evaluation and continuously documented implant-specific issues.
• Assessed success rates and types of complications encountered.

Main Results:

• 116 difficulties were noted in 45 patients; only 24 had problem-free courses.
• Seven device failures occurred (4 nail breakages).
• Successful femoral lengthening: 90% (52/58); successful tibial lengthening: 45% (5/11).

Conclusions:

• Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor shows high efficacy for femoral lengthening but limited success for tibial lengthening.
• A significant number of implant-specific difficulties were observed, impacting overall treatment success.
• Further research is needed to address tibial lengthening challenges and reduce implant-related complications.