[Lengthening, axial correction and segmental reconstruction of the extremities using the distraction method]

Between 1988 and 1992 lengthenings axial, corrections and reconstructions have been performed by distraction on lower arms, upper and lower legs in 25 patients because of deviations in length due to either congenital or acquired (multiple cartilaginous exostoses, posttraumatic conditions, congenital pseudarthrosis deformations or defects (fibula-defect, amnion-band-complex, amputation). On the average elongation amounted to 4 cm for an average installation time of the fixator system of 22 weeks and a mean duration of 25 weeks for the adaptation to full strength. Problems arose in the form of soft tissue infections at the rod perforation sites, the necessity for secondary interventions because of early fractures and for corrections of the fixator respectively. Complications compromising the expected goal of treatment did not occur. Consideration of the biological principle of distraction is essential whereas the type of fixator-system is of only minor importance.