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Implant failure after externally magnetic-controlled nail lengthening
Colleen Rentenberger1, Thomas Haider1, Lukas Zak1
1Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna 1090, Austria.
Injury
|September 16, 2021
Summary
Implant failure, specifically nail breakage, occurred in 16.7% of patients undergoing magnetic-controlled telescopic bone lengthening for leg length discrepancy (LLD). Early revision surgery may prevent such complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intramedullary procedures for leg length discrepancy (LLD) are increasing.
- Complications like nail breakage are a concern with these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on implant failure, specifically nail breakage, in patients treated with externally magnetic-controlled telescopic bone lengthening.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with implant failure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 patients undergoing magnetic-controlled telescopic bone lengthening for LLD.
- Observation of nail breakage, patient comorbidities (Charleston Comorbidity Index), and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Nail breakage occurred in 4 out of 24 patients (16.7%) between 6 and 15 months post-surgery.
- Three of the four affected patients had an elevated Charleston Comorbidity Index.
- Revision surgery involved nail removal and implantation of a trauma nail, with successful bone healing and patient satisfaction in all cases.
Conclusions:
- No definitive risk factor (e.g., comorbidities, age, previous surgeries) was identified for nail breakage.
- Early revision surgery with exchange to a trauma nail should be considered in cases of delayed bone formation to prevent telescopic nail failure.
