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Radial lengthening for septic growth arrest
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|February 1, 1983
Insights
Septic growth arrest in a child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Limb reconstruction surgery
Background:
- Osteomyelitis can lead to septic growth arrest of the distal radial epiphysis in infants.
- Early-onset bone infections pose challenges for normal skeletal development.
Observation:
- A case study of a child with septic growth arrest of the distal radial epiphysis, resulting from osteomyelitis at 5 weeks of age.
- The patient underwent radial lengthening using the Wagner apparatus at 8 years and 8 months old.
Findings:
- The procedure successfully achieved 2.5 cm of radial lengthening, representing an 18% increase in length.
- No significant complications were observed, and normal hand function was maintained post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the technical considerations for performing radial lengthening in pediatric patients with growth arrest.
- Further lengthening may be required, but the initial results suggest a viable treatment option for limb length discrepancy.
Abstract:
A case is presented of a child who sustained septic growth arrest of the distal radial epiphysis following osteomyelitis at 5 weeks of age. At age 8 years and 8 months radial lengthening using the Wagner apparatus was performed. Two and one-half centimeters of total length (18% of original length) was gained. No significant complications were encountered and normal function has been maintained. Although follow-up is short and additional lengthening is anticipated, this report illustrates the technical considerations for performing this procedure.