Bone Lengthening Radius using Limb Reconstruction System - A Successful Treatment for Radius Shortening: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Pediatric Trauma
• Limb Reconstruction

Background:

• Distal radius fractures are common in children and can result in physeal (growth plate) injuries.
• Growth arrest following physeal injury can lead to limb length discrepancies and deformities.
• Timely intervention is crucial, but delayed treatment can complicate fracture management and outcomes.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old girl sustained a Salter Harris 2 fracture of the distal radius after a road traffic accident.
• Delayed treatment led to closed fracture, osteoclasis, open reduction, and K-wire fixation, complicated by radius growth arrest.
• The left radius was approximately 4cm shorter than the right, necessitating limb lengthening.

Findings:

• The patient underwent osteotomy and implantation of a monorail external fixator (LRS) for radius lengthening.
• Post-surgery, the left radius showed approximately 4cm of growth over six months, correcting the limb length discrepancy.
• No neurovascular complications were observed, and the patient reported full function and no complaints after one year.

Implications:

• The LRS (limb reconstruction system) offers a viable alternative to the Ilizarov method for pediatric radius lengthening.
• Successful limb lengthening can effectively correct deformities and restore function after physeal growth arrest.
• This case underscores the importance of appropriate management of pediatric distal radius fractures to prevent long-term complications.