Metacarpal lengthening by distraction histiogenesis in adults

Background:

Metacarpal lengthening in the hand is a new application for distraction neo-histiogenesis. Metacarpal lengthening with distraction helps in improvement in pinch function. Thumb lengthening is technically easy in comparison to other metacarpals. We present the operative treatment and post-operative outcome in nine patients with amputations and congenital anomalies.

Materials and Methods:

Nine patients underwent distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of amputations of the hand and other congenital anomalies. The dominant right hand was operated in eight cases and the left hand in one case. There were six males and three females. Improvement of function was always the aim of surgery. Age range was between 18 and 23 years. Thumb lengthening was performed in five patients and that of the index finger in four patients. Distraction started on the fifth post-operative day at the rate of 0.25 mm/day. Sensory function and bone consolidation was assessed before fixator removal.

Results:

The mean duration of distraction was 51 days (range, 42–60 days) and the distractor was removed at a mean of 150 days (range, 140 and 160 days) and the bones were lengthened by a mean of 24 mm (range, 20–28 mm) There was improvement of function in all cases.

Conclusion:

The metacarpal lengthening by distraction histiogenesis in congenital and traumatic amputations is safe and simple method to improve pinch function of hand.     

Preliminary experience with motorized distraction for tibial lengthening

Limb lengthening by callus distraction is commonly performed with the use of external fixation. Lengthening is routinely performed by the patient through small increments throughout the course of a day. Ilizarov has shown that both the rate and frequency of distraction are important factors in the quality of osteogenesis. We report the effect of motorized high frequency distraction for tibial lengthening in comparison with manual low-frequency distraction at the same rate. Manual distraction (0.25 mm four times a day) in a group containing 43 tibiae was compared with motorized distraction (1/1,440 mm 1,400 times a day) in a group containing 27 tibiae. There was no significant difference in time to union or in the incidence of complications.     

Limb lengthening by epiphyseal distraction

Summary Limb lengthening has been obtained using the technique of epiphyseal separation-distraction, initially in animal experiments and subsequently in operations on twenty-six human patients. The increase of length obtained ranged from 5–11 cm in the tibia and femur.There was no need for osteotomy, internal osteosynthesis, or bone grafting. The quality of the new bone formation was good and there have been no secondary fractures at the site of lengthening.

---

Résumé Les auteurs ont réalisé l'allongement des membres inférieurs par une technique de «séparation-distraction épiphysaire», d'abord chez l'animal, puis chez l'homme. Vingt-six interventions ont été pratiquées. Le gain de longueur obtenu est compris entre 5 et 11 cm, tant au tibia qu'au fémur.Ce procédé ne nécessite ni ostéotomie, ni ostéosynthèse, ni greffe osseuse. L'os néoformé est de bonne qualité et il n'y a eu aucune fracture secondaire au niveau de l'allongement.

     

Subacute two stage metatarsal lengthening with gradual distraction for brachymetatarsia: A consecutive case series and literature review

BackgroundThis study examined the functional and clinical outcomes of subacute two stage metatarsal lengthening with gradual distraction for brachymetatarsia. This technique was developed to overcome the disadvantages of one-stage metatarsal lengthening and gradual distraction.MethodsFour feet of three patients with congenital brachymetatarsia underwent subacute two stage metatarsal lengthening with gradual distraction. Pain, function, and alignment were assessed preoperatively and at follow-ups using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser metatarsophalangeal–interphalangeal scale, and any complications were recorded.ResultsThe patients were followed up for a mean of 18.1 ± 6.9 (range, 12.6–28.1) months. The mean metatarsal length gain was 15.2 ± 3.2 (range, 12.1–18.5) mm, and the corresponding percent increase was 32.5 % ± 7.0 % (range, 25.7–41.1 %). The mean AOFAS score (0?100) was 97.5 ± 5.0 at the final follow-up. The external fixator index was 10.2 ± 1.5 (range, 8.1–11.6) days/cm. None of the patients experienced metatarsophalangeal stiffness, subluxation or dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, loss of correction, pin tract infection, delayed union, nonunion, or angular deformities.ConclusionSubacute two stage metatarsal lengthening with gradual distraction is a reliable alternative treatment for brachymetatarsia.     

Mandibular lengthening by gradual distraction in humans

The purpose of this study was to evaluate human mandibular lengthening by gradual distraction. The operation was performed under nasoendotracheal anesthesia. After exposing the angle of the mandible through an intraoral incision, two half-pins were inserted on each side of the corticotomy line. Following this, a corticotomy was performed using a sagittal saw, and the mandible was gently fractured. The external bone lengthening device was applied leaving a bone gap of 3 mm. Serial distraction of 1 mm per day was started on the 10th postoperative day. The device was left in place for retention purposes for 9–11 weeks. Three patients (average age 10 years and 3 months) underwent this procedure. The distraction achieved was 19 mm. Postoperatively, improvement of facial asymmetry and increased volume and length of the mandible were noted without any perioperative complications. The follow-up period averaged 13 months. These results suggested that this procedure is beneficial for the treatment of craniofacial microsomia.     

下肢延长美容增高术

目的：研究应用肢体延长技术进行美容增高的安全性及效果，探索人体美容增高的方法。方法：应用改进后的经皮小切口骨延长技术，对60例成人矮身材志愿者行双下肢肢体延长，观察并记录延长区骨愈合，并发症，术后肢体功能恢复以及身体增高幅度。结果:60例术后身高增加5－10cm，平均增高6.8cm，延长率平均19.6%。延长区骨愈合时间为6－16个月，平均8．2个月。无严重并发症。随访2－8年，均能参加正常工作和学习，形态外观美容改善，心理障碍消除。骨愈合后2年以上的患者，均恢复跑，跳等大强度运动能力。结论：通过肢体延长进行增高是一种较为安全及有效的治疗方法。     

二处截骨骨搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损

目的 探讨二处截骨骨搬移治疗胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损的疗效及其加速骨和软组织愈合的可能性.方法 2009年5月至2011年5月共收治6例胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损患者,均为男性;年龄20～51岁,平均34.5岁.致伤原因:交通伤5例,机器压砸伤1例.均为Gustilo ⅢB型开放性骨折.小腿胫前软组织缺损面积为8cm ×4cm～24cm×11 cm,胫骨缺损长度为8～18cm.清创后采用半环槽外固定支架固定,胫骨上、下干骺端截骨骨搬移治疗骨缺损和软组织缺损.术后每侧截骨端骨搬移速度为1 mm/d,直至搬移骨折端对合,本组患者搬移所需时间为40～100 d,平均66.6 d. 结果 6例患者术后获10 ～ 36个月(平均16个月)随访.小腿软组织缺损愈合,骨缺损均获重建,4例患者双下肢等长,2例患肢肢体长度较健侧短缩1.5 cm.软组织愈合时间为60 ～ 180 d,平均103 d;骨愈合时间为12 ～31个月,平均19.3个月.所有患者牵拉结束后,未发现骨不连和骨痂愈合过快而无法继续牵拉成骨的现象,均不需要植骨. 结论 二处截骨骨搬移不但可有效治疗胫骨大段骨缺损合并软组织缺损,而且可加快骨搬移和软组织愈合的速度.     

掌指骨延长的研究进展

目的总结掌指骨延长的研究进展,探讨存在的问题及进一步研究方向。方法查阅近年国内外关于掌指骨延长的文献,并进行总结分析。结果目前有多种方法治疗手指短缩畸形,掌指骨延长法相对占优势。它包括一次性骨延长、骨痂延长、缓慢牵伸延长3种,每种方法均有优势和局限。但在截骨部位、延长长度及速度以及术后并发症等方面尚存争议。结论相对于一次性骨延长和骨痂延长术,缓慢牵伸延长术创伤小、并发症少,但远期疗效尚不明确,还需要长期临床随访观察。     

外固定架尺骨延长治疗遗传性多发性骨软骨瘤所致前臂畸形

目的探讨采用外固定架尺骨延长治疗遗传性多发性骨软骨瘤(HMO)所致前臂畸形的疗效。方法回顾分析2014年4月至2018年4月北京积水潭医院创伤骨科采用外固定架尺骨延长治疗HMO所致前臂畸形患者5例。其中男4例,女1例;平均年龄14.5岁(12~16岁);右侧2例,左侧3例;MasadaⅠ型2例,MasadaⅡB型3例。5例患者均接受尺骨延长手术治疗。对3例MasadaⅡB型患者采用环形外固定架,另2例采用单边外固定架。1例合并桡骨骨折患者同时行桡骨骨折切开复位内固定术。截骨术后8~10 d开始行尺骨牵开延长。结果5例患者均获得随访,平均随访时间16个月(12~30个月)。3例MasadaⅡB型患者桡骨头均自行复位。5例患者尺骨平均延长37.5 mm(30~45 mm),平均应用外固定架时间162 d(122~274 d),平均外固定架指数48.9 d/cm。术前和术后平均梅奥肘关节评分分别为36.4分和92.7分,平均肘关节屈曲活动范围分别为118.0°(110°~130°)和130.0°(120°~150°),平均伸肘活动范围分别为12.7°(10°~20°)和3.5°(0°~10°),平均前臂旋前活动范围分别为18.6°(5°~30°)和44.7°(30°~65°),平均前臂旋后活动范围分别为71.2°(50°~85°)和86.5°(75°~90°)。1例桡骨干骨折患者术后3个月骨折愈合。2例出现针道感染;1例尺骨过早愈合,行第2次截骨手术后延长顺利。未见神经血管并发症。5例患者对治疗结果均满意。结论采用外固定架逐渐延长尺骨治疗HMO患者尺骨短缩畸形和桡骨头脱位安全有效。     

Muscle response to leg lengthening during distraction osteogenesis

Continuous lengthening of intact muscles during distraction osteogenesis leads to an increase of sarcomeres and enhances the regeneration of tendons and blood vessels. A high distraction rate leads to an excessive leg and muscle lengthening and might cause damages of muscle fibers with fibrosis, necrosis, and muscle weakness. Complications like muscle contractures or atrophy after postoperative immobilization emphazize the importance of muscles and their function in the clinical outcome. In an animal model of distraction osteogenesis, 18 sheep were operated with an external fixator followed by 4 days latency, 21 days distraction (1.25 mm per day) and 51 days consolidation. The anatomical location (gastrocnemius, peroneus tertius, and first flexor digitorum longus muscle), dimension and occurrence of muscular defects were characterized histologically. The callus formation and leg axis was monitored by weekly X‐rays. Additionally, serum creatine kinase was analyzed during a distraction and consolidation period. Significant signs of muscle lesions in all three observed muscles can be found postoperatively, whereas normal callus formation and regular leg axis was observed radiologically. The peroneus tertius and first flexor digitorum longus muscles were found to have significantly more signs of fibrosis, inflammatory, and necrosis. Creatine kinase showed two peaks: 4 and 39 days postoperative as an indication of muscle damage and regeneration. The study implicates that muscle damages should be considered when a long‐distance distraction osteogenesis is planned. The surgeon should consider these muscle responses and individually discuss a two‐stage treatment or additional muscle tendon releases to minimize the risk of muscle damages. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 483–488, 2009     

Limb lengthening by diaphyseal corticotomy, callus distraction, and dynamic axial fixation. An experimental study in the ovine femur

Limb lengthening of the left femur was performed in 12 sheep, 7-8 months of age. After weakening of the cortex by drill holes, a controlled fracture was created in the diaphysis. The bone segments were fixed in reduced position using a unilateral external fixation device. The fixator was left in neutral position for 10 days postoperatively when lengthening started. By means of daily distraction at a rate of 1.0 mm once a day for 3 weeks, an average lengthening of 1.9 cm (11.9%) was obtained. Two weeks after distraction had been discontinued, distinct callus bridging of the lengthening zone was confirmed radiographically in all animals. At this time the rigid state of fixation was converted to a system allowing axial compression by loading in half the animals. The other half of the animals served as controls with the fixator remaining unchanged. The external device was left on until 5 weeks after the end of distraction. At this time the animals were killed. Both femora of all animals were tested mechanically in torsion. The average ultimate torsional strength of the elongated femur compared with control was 71% in the group with dynamic axial fixation and 65% in the control group. No significant difference in relative strength of the tested bones in the two groups was found. We conclude that intermittent axial compression by loading during consolidation had no significant effect on the bone-healing process evaluated by radiography and mechanical testing.     

A technique of percutaneous multidrilling osteotomy for limb lengthening and deformity correction

We have recently developed a technique of per-cutaneous multidrilling osteotomy for limb lengthening and deformity correction. The bone is drilled percutaneously, using a special drill guide, and osteotomy is accomplished by connecting the multiple drill holes with a small chisel. The bone segments are subjected to slow progressive distraction with an external fixation device. We have lengthened 33 limbs in 22 patients with congenital or post-traumatic limb shortening and/or bone deformities. All the patients underwent the proposed lengthening and/or correction of the bone deformities through a single-treatment procedure. None of the lengthened segments resulted in nonunion. This technique can prevent undesirable bone cracks and preserve soft tissue around the osteotomy site, and is also applicable to other fields of orthopedic surgery. Received for publication on June 9, 1999; accepted on Sept. 17, 1999     

Bone Transport for Reconstruction in Benign Bone Tumors

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the results of using the Ilizarov apparatus to transport bones in the treatment of benign bone tumors.

Methods

Seven patients (six males and one female) with benign bone tumors were treated by bone transport with an Ilizarov apparatus at our institution. Their mean age at surgery was 14.4 years (range, 4.8 to 36.9 years). The histological diagnoses were osteofibrous dysplasia (4), giant-cell tumor (1), intraosseous cavernous hemangioma (1), and aneurysmal bone cyst (1). Three radiological indices were used for evaluating the results: an external fixation index, a distraction index, and a maturation index. The bone and functional results were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov classification.

Results

Five patients had bone union at the reconstructed site, one patient had a local recurrence, and the other had a nonunion at the docking site. The mean length of distraction was 7.3 cm (range, 5.1 to 12.1 cm). The mean external fixation index was 26.0 day/cm (range, 19.8 to 32.5 day/cm), the distraction index was 9.6 day/cm (range, 6.8 to 12.0 day/cm), and the maturation index was 14.9 day/cm (range, 8.0 to 22.5 day/cm). Ultimately, the bone and the functional results were rated excellent in six cases and good in one case.

Conclusions

Bone transport using the Ilizarov apparatus is a good treatment option in patients with bone defects after the resection of an active or aggressive benign bone tumor.     

The influence of callus distraction on the growth plate

Objectives This study was designed to investigate the morphology, thickness and cellularity of the growth plate during callus distraction performed in the immediate vicinity of the growth plate. Methods Lengthening of the right tibia by 25% was carried out on 24 beagle dogs by callus distraction. Distraction was started at the fifth postoperative day with a distraction rate of 0.5 mm twice a day. A control group of six dogs underwent tibial osteotomy and external fixation without distraction. Half of the dogs of both groups were sacrificed at the end of the distraction phase of 25 days (Group A) and the remaining 15 dogs after an additional consolidation period of 25 days (Group B). The tibia and femur was removed from the distracted right leg and from the left control side of each animal and longitudinal sections were cut and stained with Pentachrome. The thickness and cellularity of the regeneration zone, the proliferation zone and the hypertrophic zone were determined for the proximal tibial and the distal femoral epiphysis. Results During the distraction phase the thickness of the proximal tibial growth plate and its cellularity were reduced on the distraction side. During the consolidation phase there was a slight recovery in the proximal tibial growth plate. Conclusions Callus distraction leads to a temporary reduction in growth of the affected physis.     

足外侧柱延长术的基础及临床研究进展

目的综述足外侧柱延长术(lateral column lengthening,LCL)的基础及临床研究进展。方法广泛查阅近年国内外LCL相关文献,并对其进行分析。结果 LCL作为治疗平足畸形的重要手术方式之一,包括两种术式——跟骨远端截骨延长术和跟骰关节撑开融合术,目前在治疗平足畸形时具体术式选择尚存在争议。结论 LCL临床广泛用于治疗平足畸形,但需要生物力学试验和大样本临床随访结果进一步验证疗效。     

外固定骨延长术在下肢骨肿瘤外科治疗中的应用

目的 探讨下肢骨肿瘤保肢手术的新方法以提高患者的生活质量。方法 （１）８例患者中,４例高分化骨肉瘤,手术前后给均予正规化疗;２例骨巨细胞瘤和２例骨母细胞瘤未化疗。（２）所有病例均按Ｅｎｎｅｋｉｎｇ诊断分级标准分级。首先完整切除肿瘤,然后同期应用半环式外固定架在骨缺损处行加压融合,在胫骨的干骺端截骨处行骨闸缓慢牵伸延长术,重建下肢功能。结果 行正规化疗的４例高分化骨肉瘤患者术后存活２９￣４８个月,保     

双轴重合法胫骨干骺端截骨骨延长术

目的：探讨双轴重合法在骨延长术中的应用。方法：回顾性分析54例应用双轴重合法胫骨干骺端截骨骨延长术进行治疗的肢体，其中小儿麻痹症后遗症26例，创伤后双下肢不等长13例，软骨发育不全4例，遗传性矮身材6例，骨斑点病合并双下肢不等长1例，垂体性侏儒症4例。男28例，女26例；平均年龄22岁。所有患者均采用半环形双槽外固定架固定肢体并延长。结果：术后随访18-45个月，平均24．5个月。所有患者均得到肢体延长，延长幅度5—12cm，平均6．2cm。单纯足下垂1例，足下垂合并足外翻2例，较严重针孔感染l例，骨延迟愈合1例。结论：应用双轴重合法胫骨干骺端截骨骨延长术后遗症明显减少，其中骨性并发症减少尤其明显．并降低了手术操作要求，是比较理想的骨延长方法。     

Bone lengthening osteogenesis,a combination of intramembranous and endochondral ossification: an experimental study in sheep

We evaluated the morphological features of the newly formed tissue in an experimental model of tibial callotasis lengthening on 24 lambs, aged from 2 to 3 months at the time of operation. A unilateral external fixator prototype Monotube Triax^® (Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, New Jersey) was applied to the left tibia. A percutaneous osteotomy was performed in a minimally traumatic manner using a chisel. Lengthening was started 7 days after surgery and was continued to 30 mm. The 24 animals were randomly divided into three groups of 8 animals each: in Group 1, lengthening took place at a rate of 1 mm/day for 30 days; in Group 2, at a rate of 2 mm/day for 15 days; in Group 3, at a rate of 3 mm/day for 10 days. In each group, 4 animals were killed 2 weeks after end of lengthening, and the other 4 animals at 4 weeks after end of lengthening. To assess bony formation in the distraction area, radiographs were taken every 2 weeks from the day of surgery. To study the process of vascularization, we used Spalteholz’s technique. After killing, the tibia of each animal was harvested, and sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Safranin-O. Immunohistochemistry was performed, using specific antibodies to detect collagens I and II, S100 protein, and fibronectin. A combination of intramembranous and endochondral ossification occurred together at the site of distraction. Our study provides a detailed structural characterization of the newly formed tissue in an experimental model of tibial lengthening in sheep and may be useful for further investigations on callotasis.     

长骨液促进骨延长区骨矿化的实验研究

目的　观察中药长骨液对骨延长区骨矿化的影响。方法　山羊１２只，于胫骨上干骺端做成骨延长模型，分成对照组和中药治疗组，进行实验，观察延长区成骨情况。结果内服长骨液组骨 延长区Ｘ线平片平均光密度值、骨密度、以及新骨组织钙含量、灰密度、四环素荧光双标间距等指标 均明显高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论中药长骨液具有明显加速骨延长区骨矿化的作用。     

Effects of botulinum toxin A on functional outcome during distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis is useful for correcting limb length inequality, deformities, or short stature. Despite success with bone formation, soft tissue maladaptations including muscle and joint contracture may lead to undesirable results. Botulinum toxin A has been useful in treating spasticity in cerebral palsy, and has been used clinically in select cases to allay contracture in distraction osteogenesis. This study examines the toxin's efficacy in preventing distraction-induced loss of muscle strength and range of motion. The left tibias of 15 New Zealand White rabbits were distracted 1.5 mm/day until approximately a 20% gain was achieved. Each treatment group was divided into animals injected with saline or botulinum toxin in either the gastrocnemius or tibialis anterior muscles. A control group of two additional animals underwent no surgical procedure. Strength and range of motion were assessed prior to, and following, the experiment. At the study's end, animals were euthanized and muscles were harvested, when lengths and weights were recorded. All muscles injected with botulinum toxin showed decreased wet weight and persistent weakness upon completion of the study. Range of motion decreased in all distracted animals. When the gastrocnemius was injected, its strength was reduced but the tibialis anterior strength was preserved, and the limb achieved 22% greater dorsiflexion than saline controls (p = 0.016). When the tibialis anterior received the toxin, plantarflexion was increased by 23% (p = 0.049). Botulinum toxin injection prior to limb distraction increases the "post-lengthened" excursion of the injected muscle and this increased length may have a protective effect on its antagonist. In toxin-injected gastrocnemius muscles, the level of equinus contracture is reduced due to length gains in the Achilles tendon while the anterior tibialis maintains its ability to generate torque. Injection of botulinum toxin in the gastrocnemius may minimize equinus contracture and protect the anterior tibialis from damage during human tibial lengthening. Longer follow-up studies are needed to ensure that toxin-induced muscle weakness resolves with time.