Telescoping intramedullary stabilization of the lower extremities for severe osteogenesis imperfecta

Intramedullary extendable Bailey-Dubow nails were used for treatment of lower extremity deformities resulting from osteogenesis imperfecta. Sixteen patients had 56 nails placed in 48 long bones, including 18 revisions. All patients were braced postoperatively. The average duration of follow-up was 4.8 years. Nine patients who were nonambulatory preoperatively walked in braces postoperatively. Despite a high rate of complication, extendable nails provide correction of the angular deformities of osteogenesis imperfecta, decrease fracturing, and allow most previously nonambulatory children to walk.