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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Methods for Acute and Subacute Murine Hindlimb Ischemia
Published on: June 21, 2016
[LIMB LENGH SHORTENING AFTER ARTERIAL CANNULATION IN INFANCY]
B Díaz-Ben1, P Balvís-Balvís1, M Lozano-Balseiro2
1Servicio de COT, Hospital do Meixoeiro, Vigo, España.
Insights
Arterial cannulation in children may lead to limb length discrepancies and proximal femur growth issues. Regular clinical and radiological follow-up is recommended for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Arterial cannulation and cardiac catheterization are common procedures in pediatric cardiology.
- Potential long-term complications, including limb length discrepancies, require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between arterial cannulation in childhood and the development of limb length discrepancies.
- To assess the impact on proximal femur growth and development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 300 children undergoing arterial cannulation/cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease.
- Identification of seven patients referred for limb length discrepancy or proximal femoral deformities.
Main Results:
- Seven pediatric patients (mean age 10 years) presented with limb length discrepancies (mean 2.7cm, right-sided predominance).
- Three patients had proximal femoral deformities: caput valgum (2) and bilateral physeal arrest of the greater trochanter (1).
- Initial treatment involved shoe lifts; one patient underwent tibial lengthening, and two are awaiting surgery.
Conclusions:
- A link exists between childhood arterial cannulation/catheterization and the risk of developing limb length discrepancies.
- Clinical and radiological surveillance is crucial for children who underwent these procedures in infancy.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between arterial cannulations and the development of limb length discrepancies in childhood or impaired growth of the proximal femur.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on 300 children who required arterial cannulation and/or cardiac catheterisation during childhood in relation to congenital heart diseases. Seven of these patients were referred from the Paediatric Cardiology clinic due to a limb length discrepancy and/or proximal femoral deformities.
Results:
Seven children, with a mean age of 10 years, were referred to our clinic. The mean length discrepancy was 2.7cm, and was more frequent on the right side. Three of the patients presented with proximal femoral deformities: two cases of caput valgum and one of bilateral physeal arrest of the greater trochanter. All children were initially treated with a shoe lift in the shortest limb. One of them required a tibial lengthening and two others are awaiting a similar procedure.
Conclusion:
We recommend clinical and radiological follow-up of patients who have undergone catheterisation during their infancy due to the relationship between these techniques and the risk of developing a limb length discrepancy.
