Intramedullary skeletal kinetic distractor in lower extremity lengthening

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and radiological results of patients with Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD) lengthening.

Ten femoral and 2 tibial lengthening were performed in 12 patients (7 male, 5 female; mean age: 27 years (13-40)) by using ISKD nail. The mean limb length discrepancy of the patients was 4.41 cm (2-7). On the postoperative 7th day the patients were trained about lengthening and the lengthening started. Follow-up X rays were taken weekly during the distraction period and every second weeks during the consolidation period. One patient with tibia lengthening was lost to follow-up after completing the distraction period.

The planned lengthening amounts were achieved in all of the cases. The mean lengthening was 4.41 cm (2-7). The mean bone healing index was 37.8 day/cm (28.5-78.0). There were uncontrolled distractions in 4 cases. Autogenous bone grafting was necessary in a case with incompetent bone formation. The kinetic nail was locked and failed to distract in a patient, in which the problem was solved with closed manipulation under anesthesia. No patient had a joint stiffness.

Intramedullary extensible nails decrease the risk of joint contractures and infection. This procedure can be well tolerated by the patients and they can return to their daily activities earlier.