Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice
Published on: November 13, 2016
Complications of Limb Lengthening With Motorized Intramedullary Nails
Stewart G Morrison1, Andrew G Georgiadis, Aaron J Huser
1From the The Royal Children's Hospital (Dr. Morrison), Parkville, Victoria, Australia, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Dr. Georgiadis, Dr. Huser, and Dr. Dahl), Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul, MN, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Dr. Georgiadis and Dr. Dahl), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Abstract:
Intramedullary limb lengthening (LL) is now achievable through motorized intramedullary devices. While this technology mitigates some complications of external-fixation-based lengthening, many complications common to all lengthening procedures persist. New challenges and complications exclusive to this newer technology are also presented. The LL surgeon should be aware of and ready to respond to complications involving device malfunctions, poor local bony and soft-tissue biology, patient compliance, neurovascular compromise, joint instability, regenerate problems, and others. While technology will continue to evolve, study of and adherence to foundational principles of LL will minimize risks and optimize patient outcomes.
