Closed intramedullary osteotomy for rotational deformity after long bone fractures

Ten patients with rotational deformities after fractures of the femur or tibia were treated by closed intramedullary osteotomy. Eight had an external rotation deformity of the femur and 2 had deformities of the tibia. The rotational deformity varied from 30 degrees to 60 degrees and 6 patients had shortening of 15 mm to 30 mm. The osteotomies were carried out with an intramedullary saw and were fixed by an interlocking nailing. Shortening was corrected at the same time. At follow up the average rotational deformity was less than 5 degrees and shortening less than 15 mm. All the patients felt that they had a normal range of movement and equal length. There were no complications, except for one case of delayed union in which consolidation occurred at 24 months without any further procedures.