Intramedullary lengthening nails: can we also correct deformities?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• External fixators have limitations in deformity correction and lengthening.
• Intramedullary lengthening nails require specific anatomical preconditions and intraoperative adjustments.

Approach:

• Preoperative planning enables complex deformity corrections with intramedullary devices.
• Rigid reamers are essential for preparing the medullary canal and positioning nails.
• Solid lengthening nails may have limitations in pediatric patients with active epiphyseal growth.

Key Points:

• Intramedullary nails allow for precise, adjustable deformity correction postoperatively.
• Reaming the medullary canal is critical for accurate nail placement.
• Growth plate perforation with intramedullary nails has shown no adverse effects on growth potential.
• Combined osteotomy and plate fixation can be an alternative for complex deformities.

Conclusions:

• Intramedullary lengthening nails are the current standard for limb lengthening and deformity correction in eligible patients.
• These nails offer a low complication rate and minimize soft tissue compromise.