[Translated article] Bone lengthening with magnetic nails. Experience in patients younger than 18

Bone elongation with magnetic endomedullary nails (MEN) has been proposed as an advantageous alternative to other techniques, by eliminating the drawbacks of external fixation. The aim of this work is to analyse the results and assess the complications in a series of patients under the age of 18.

From 2014 to 2019, 31 elongations (23 femurs, 8 tibias) using MEN (Precice2®) have been performed in 28 patients younger than 18 (15 males and 13 females). In this observational retrospective study, only patients with follow-up longer than 18 months have been included. The average age has been 14.4 years (8-18). The most relevant aspects analysed have been: previous shortening/deformity, elongation/correction achieved and time to full weight bearing. Complications and re-interventions have also been assessed.

The elongation achieved has been 5.5cm on average (3-8). In 28 elongations (90.3%) the planned goal of lengthening was achieved. The mean healing index (HI) was 1.1months/cm. More than half of elongations (55%) presented complications. Although they produced permanent sequelae in only two patients (7.1%), a total of 9 patients required re-intervention (13 operations). No infections were detected.

Bone lengthening with MEN in individuals younger than 18 has achieved its goal in more than 90% of patients in an effective, accurate and safe manner. The use of MEN in this series has eliminated the need for external fixators and has successfully tutorized the operated segment. The high number of complications detected in this study remains a concern.