Limb Lengthening Using the PRECICE^TM Nail System: Complications and Results

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Telescopic nails are advanced intramedullary devices for limb lengthening.
• Limited clinical data exists on PRECICE nail complications despite its advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze complications associated with PRECICE nail use for limb lengthening.
• To determine if PRECICE nail complications are preventable.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 9 patients (2012-2013) with PRECICE nails for leg length discrepancy (LLD).
• Analysis of femoral and tibial lengthening procedures for posttraumatic and congenital LLD.
• Follow-up duration averaged 5 months.

Main Results:

• Mean distraction rate was 0.5 mm/day.
• 7 out of 9 patients had issues achieving lengthening goals.
• Two cases experienced unintentional loss of achieved length due to delayed bone healing, one requiring redistraction and another nail breakage.

Conclusions:

• Loss of achieved length is a complication of PRECICE nail lengthening.
• Early weight-bearing before consolidation may increase risk.
• Vigilant follow-up and radiographic evaluation are crucial for PRECICE nail procedures.