[RESEARCH PROGRESS IN LOWER LIMB LENGTHENING BY INTRAMEDULLARY NAIL]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Lower limb lengthening is a complex procedure often requiring invasive methods.
• External fixation devices, while effective, present challenges in terms of patient comfort and complication rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the advancements in lower limb lengthening using intramedullary nail technology.
• To compare the efficacy and safety of intramedullary nail systems with traditional external fixation methods.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of domestic and international literature on lower limb lengthening by intramedullary nail.
• Analysis of research progress, clinical outcomes, and technological developments.

Main Results:

• Intramedullary nail systems utilize mechanical, motorized electronic, or magnetic force for distraction.
• These systems demonstrate advantages over external fixation in complication rates, limb function, bone healing, patient comfort, and reduced hospitalization.
• Disadvantages include potential system failure, infection, neurovascular injury, limited distraction length, and high cost.
• Contraindications include narrow or curved medullary canals, active infections, and unclosed epiphyseal plates.

Conclusions:

• Intramedullary nail lengthening represents a significant evolution from Ilizarov technology.
• Despite limited current application, preliminary clinical results are highly promising.
• This technique is emerging as a leading trend in limb lengthening, bone reconstruction, and deformity correction.