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Closed femoral shortening
R C Sasso1, B A Urquhart, T E Cain
1University of Texas Medical School, Houston.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Closed intramedullary femoral shortening in adolescents achieved bone union within 3 months for all 18 patients. This technique, without a fracture table, offers an effective surgical option for limb length discrepancy.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Surgical techniques
Background:
- Femoral shortening is a surgical procedure to correct limb length discrepancies.
- Closed intramedullary rodding is a common technique for bone fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of closed intramedullary femoral shortening in adolescents.
- To describe a modified surgical technique for closed intramedullary rodding without a fracture table.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen adolescent patients (14-18 years) underwent closed intramedullary femoral shortening.
- The procedure involved slow reaming through an enlarged proximal portal and interlocking nails proximally and distally.
- No fracture table was used during the surgery.
Main Results:
- All 18 patients achieved clinical and radiographic union within 3 months.
- Average femoral shortening was 4.4 cm (range 3-5 cm).
- Complications included one case of acute respiratory distress and three cases of fixation loss.
Conclusions:
- Closed intramedullary femoral shortening is an effective procedure for adolescents with limb length discrepancies.
- The described technique, utilizing slow reaming and interlocking nails, is recommended for improved outcomes and reduced complications.