Lower limb lengthening by a modified Wagner technique

A series of 50 patients who underwent femoral and tibial lengthenings using the Wagner apparatus is reviewed. Satisfactory gains in leg length with an acceptably low complication rate were achieved. Both substitution of cortical osteotomy for complete osteotomy and delaying of distraction increased callus formation. The particular problems of lengthening the congenital short femur and tibia are discussed.     

Femoral and tibial lengthening by the Wagner method

This article represents a review of the author's experience with the Wagner lengthening device. Forty patients between 6 and 20 years of age underwent 44 lengthenings of the lower extremity by Wagner's technique (34 femoral and 10 tibial) between February 1977 and January 1999. Shortening was congenital in origin in 24 patients. Lengthening achieved averaged 5.69 cm for the femur and 4.3 cm for the tibia. No complication was observed in 50% of the lengthenings (category I). At least one complication modified the program and necessitated further surgery and general anesthesia in 45.45% of lengthenings (category II). The program was not completed in one patient and complications resulted in a sequela in another patient, representing 4.54% of lengthenings (category III). Twenty-one of the 22 lengthenings without complication were at the femur. Complications were more frequent in patients with a congenital origin. Many complications but no disastrous problems were encountered. Lengthening is better tolerated in children older than 10 years of age. Thirty-nine patients completed their program and were left with less than 2.5 cm discrepancy at the end of growth. The average follow-up was 8.10 years.     

Callus formation in the humerus compared with the femur and tibia during limb lengthening

We investigated whether the callus formation in the humerus during the distraction period of limb lengthening proceeds at a higher rate than that in the femur and tibia. Ten achondroplastic patients underwent 3 bilateral humerus, 3 bilateral femur and 4 bilateral tibia lengthenings. To reduce the confounding effect of bone size, we used bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) to compare the three groups; this is a volumetric bone mineral density measurement. BMAD in the distracted callus space was evaluated at 8 weeks after the start of distraction using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (mean ± SD; g/cm³): in the humerus (0.24 ± 0.08) it was significantly higher than in the tibia (0.10 ± 0.02), while there was no difference between the humerus and femur (0.35 ± 0.11). We conclude that the callus formation in the humerus during the distraction period of limb lengthening proceeded at a significantly faster rate than in the tibia, but there was no significant difference between the humerus and femur. Received: 4 March 1997     

Treatment of traumatic bone defects by bone transport.

This study retrospectively evaluates the results of the management using the callus distraction method, of 19 patients who had developed bone defects following acute trauma. Sixteen patients were males, with a mean age of 19.4 years (6-41 years). Thirteen patients developed bone defects as a result of high-velocity gunshot injuries, and six had defects caused by traffic accidents. The location of 12 fractures was the tibia, and seven were in the femur. The mean follow-up period was 23.6 (12-40) months. The mean length of the bone defect was 6.8 cm (4-16 cm), the distraction index was 13.3 days/cm (7.5-18 days/cm) and the external fixation index was 36.6 days/cm (32.5-46 days/cm). Fifteen (9%) pintract infections were observed among those who underwent circular external fixation and four (10%) in cases who underwent unilateral external fixation. There were no deep infections. Refracture was noted in one patient (5%), and two (11%) had delayed union at the target site. One patient developed nonunion at the target site. For the treatment of large bone defects, the callus distraction method may be an alternative option to conventional treatment methods.     

Lengthening for congenital short femur. Results of different methods.

We have reviewed the results in 37 patients with unilateral congenital short femur (Pappas classes III to IX), treated by different lengthening procedures. The increase in the length of the femur varied from 15.6% to 142%, excellent or good results being obtained in 32 patients (86%). There was an average of 1.9 complications per case, most being seen earlier in the series when the Wagner technique was used. With the Orthofix and the Ilizarov techniques, we used callus distraction in all cases. We found that the proximal diaphysis of the congenitally abnormal femur healed less well, and we now prefer to perform corticotomy and callus distraction of the distal metaphysis. The Ilizarov method gave the best results, offering the possibilities of the simultaneous use of a Hoffmann fixator across the hip and the treatment of knee dislocation and instability.     

Callus formation in femur and tibia during leg lengthening:7 patients examined with DXA

We examined the callus formation during leg lengthening in 7 achondroplastic patients who underwent 3 bilateral femoral and 4 bilateral tibial lengthenings. Bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) in the lengthened callus space were evaluated every 1 or 2 weeks for 10 weeks after the start of distraction using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

The mean rate of callus mineralization in femurs (0.64 g/wk) was higher than in tibias (0.22 g/wk). The mean BMD at 10 weeks after the start was 0.35 g/ cm² in the femur and 0.14 g/cm² in the tibia. Different rates of callus formation in different kinds of long tubular bones have not been reported previously.     

Limb lengthening and deformity correction with externally controlled motorized intramedullary nails: evaluation of 50 consecutive lengthenings

Background and purpose — Limb lengthening with an intramedullary motorized nail is a relatively new method. We investigated if lengthening nails are reliable constructs for limb lengthening and deformity correction in the femur and the tibia.

Patients and methods — 50 lengthenings (34 Precice and 16 Fitbone devices) in 47 patients (mean age 23 years [11–61]) with ≥12 months follow-up are included in this study. 30 lengthenings were done due to congenital and 20 because of posttraumatic deformity (21 antegrade femora, 23 retrograde femora, 6 tibiae). Initial deformities included a mean shortening of 42?mm (25–90). In 15 patients, simultaneous axial correction was done using the retrograde nailing technique.

Results — The planned amount of lengthening was achieved in all but 2 patients. 5 patients who underwent simultaneous axial correction showed minor residual deformity; unintentionally induced minor deformities were found in the frontal and sagittal plane. The consolidation index was 1.2 months/cm (0.6–2.5) in the femur and 2.5 months/cm (1.6–4.0) in the tibia. 2 femoral fractures occurred in retrograde femoral lengthenings after consolidation due to substantial trauma. There were 8 complications, all of which were correctable by surgery, with no permanent sequelae.

Interpretation — Controlled acute axial correction of angular deformities and limb lengthening can be achieved by a motorized intramedullary nail. A thorough preoperative planning and intraoperative control of alignment are required to avoid residual and unintentionally induced deformity. In the femur relatively fast consolidation could be observed, whereas healing was slower in the tibia.     

Limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia type II: can it be an alternative to amputation?

The purpose of our study was to analyze limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia type II. Ten patients underwent 16 tibia lengthenings. The mean tibia shortening was 5.8 cm. We used the Ilizarov technique in all cases. The mean follow-up time was 7.2 years. The mean lengthening was 23% of the former length. The healing index was 50.8 days/cm. In the final examination six patients were skeletally mature, equal limb length and functional foot positioning were achieved in four of them. Complications were observed during 14 lengthenings (87.5%). Although lengthening in fibular hemimelia is difficult, elongation with axis and foot correction may offer an alternative to amputation.     

The callotasis method of limb lengthening

Callotasis is a lengthening technique that involves slow, controlled distraction after subperiosteal-submetaphyseal osteotomy. The technique and its advantages over other methods are described. Results of lengthenings involving 270 operated bone segments (146 femurs and 124 tibias) in 140 patients are reviewed. Ninety-five patients had limb-length inequality and 45 had hypochondroplasia or achondroplasia. On average, 6.6 cm, or 24.6% of initial length, was gained. The mean healing index was 39; the complication rate was 13.3%.     

Long-term results of lower limb lengthening by the Wagner method

Methods of limb lengthening have been continuously modified. The construction of an apparatus for gradual bone distraction was a great improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of lower limb elongation using the Wagner technique. Between 1983 and 1989, 45 patients underwent surgery in the authors' institution. There were 31 femoral and 15 tibial lengthenings. The operation and lengthening procedure were performed according to the rules published by the method's author. The intended amount of lengthening was achieved in 80% of patients during tibial elongation and in only 52% during femoral elongation because of many problems, obstacles, and complications during treatment. A significant percentage of improper (deficient or irregular) new bone formation led to femoral malunion in three patients and to tibial and femoral delayed bone consolidation in six patients. Fast distraction produced great forces on the surrounding joint surfaces, resulting in a limited range of motion and joint stiffness. The Wagner technique does not seem to be effective and is associated with a long duration of treatment and some complications impairing the function of the limb.     

Acute correction of lower limb deformity and simultaneous lengthening with a monolateral fixator

We have reviewed, retrospectively, all children with a lower limb deformity who underwent an acute correction and lengthening with a monolateral fixator between 1987 and 1996. The patients were all under the age of 19 years and had a minimum follow-up of eight months after removal of the fixator. A total of 41 children had 57 corrections and lengthening. Their mean age was 11.3 years (3.2 to 18.7) and there were 23 girls and 18 boys. The mean maximum correction in any one plane was 23 degrees (7 to 45). In 41 bony segments (either femur or tibia) a uniplanar correction was made while various combinations were carried out in 16. The site of the osteotomy was predominantly diaphyseal, at a mean of 47% (17% to 73%) of the total bone length and the mean length gained was 6.4 cm (1.0 to 17.0). Univariate analysis identified a moderately strong relationship between the bone healing index (BHI), length gained, maximum correction and grade-II to grade-III complications. For logistic regression analysis the patients were binary coded into two groups; those with a good outcome (BHI < or = 45 days/cm) and those with a poor outcome (BHI > 45 days/cm). Various factors which may influence the outcome were then analysed by calculating odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. This analysis suggested a dose response between increasing angular correction and poor BHI which only reached statistical significance for corrections of larger magnitude. Longer lengthenings were associated with a better BHI while age and the actual bone lengthened had little effect. Those patients with a maximum angulatory correction of less than 30 degrees in any one plane had an acceptable consolidation time with few major complications. The technique is suitable for femoral deformity and shortening, but should be used with care in the tibia since the risk of a compartment syndrome or neurapraxia is much greater.     

Growth patterns after lengthening of congenitally short lower limbs in young children

The purpose of this study was to assess growth patterns after lengthening of the congenitally short femur or tibia in children younger than 6 years. Twenty such children underwent 28 bone segment lengthenings (13 femora and 15 tibiae) by distraction osteogenesis. Our results show that femoral lengthening in children younger than 6 years does not lead to growth inhibition, whereas isolated femoral lengthening may be associated with growth stimulation. Isolated tibial lengthening in children younger than 6 years does not lead to growth inhibition, whereas simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening or two tibial lengthenings in close succession can lead to tibial growth inhibition.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) combined with distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of bone defects. A new technique of bone transport: a report of two cases

This study reports two cases of fracture of the femur with segmental bone loss that were treated by a new technique of bone transport. A minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) bridge from the proximal to distal femur served as a fixation system. A separate Wagner distraction apparatus was used for distraction osteogenesis. After the transport segment docked with the bone fragment, it was fixed to the plate by a percutaneous screw fixation. The Wagner lengthening device was then removed. The total time of external fixation was significantly reduced. A satisfactorily functional result and bone segment regeneration was achieved. The external fixation index was 0.31 and 0.37 month/cm, and the limb length discrepancy was 0.9 and 1.2cm. The advantages of this technique include a decrease in the duration of external fixation, protection against refracture and earlier rehabilitation.     

Ilizarov technique. Results and difficulties.

Of 100 cases treated by the Ilizarov method, 91 patients were reviewed from February 1985 to March 1990. There were 32 tibial fractures (29 open) and 21 nonunions (nine infected). There were 47 cases of limb lengthening (28 tibia and 19 femur). The results were as follows: good, 83%; fair, 13%; and poor, 4%. Slight and intermittent pain in some wire of the device was frequent (69%). Average bone healing time in tibial fractures was 4.95 months and 5.83 months in tibial nonunions. In bone-lengthening operations, the average lengthening index in the tibia was 1.02 months/cm (lengthenings ranged from 3 cm to 10 cm, with a mean of 5.71 cm), whereas in the femur, the average lengthening index was 1.14 months/cm (lengthenings ranged from 3 cm to 7 cm, with a mean of 5.34 cm). Manually-tensed wires produced frequent problems (24.5%), whereas wire tensed by the dynamometric tensioner produced problems in only 7.8% of the cases. Despite good results, the Ilizarov technique requires adequate training to reduce an overall complication rate (approximately 30%).     

Limb lengthening with a fully implantable mechanical distraction intramedullary nail

AIM: The morbidity of fixator-assisted distraction osteogenesis should be reduced by intramedullary lengthening devices. The ISKD (intramedullary skeletal kinetic distractor) is a new, fully implantable mechanical lengthening nail. In a prospective cohort trial the possibilities and limitations of the device used on femur and tibia are examined. METHODS: 22 patients with a mean age of 25 (range: 16-46) years were treated with an ISKD for femoral (n = 16) and tibial (n = 6) lengthening. The average leg length discrepancy was 48 (range: 25-80) mm. The follow-up was 21 (range: 7-37) months. Clinical and radiological results and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The results of femoral and tibial applications of the ISKD are different. At the tibia, in three patients a pseudarthrosis occurred and slow callus formation was observed twice. An equinus contracture became evident in 2 patients. At the femur, in one case the lengthening was not accomplished with the device. Five patients were manipulated under anaesthesia at least once to achieve the aim of distraction. Three of these patients received retrograde implantation of the ISKD. An infection or interlocking screw failure was not observed either at the femur or the tibia. CONCLUSION: The ISKD reduces fixator-associated problems but incorporates its own difficulties which are mainly based on the guidance of the device. Careful patient advice in monitoring the lengthening process is mandatory. At the femur 8 cm of lengthening can be achieved but the nail tends to "block". Proper reaming and osteotomy techniques are important. A lengthening of more than 1 mm/day is recommended to prevent early consolidation. At the tibia weak callus formation and soft tissue contractures occur, therefore not more than 4 cm lengthening should be planned, the distraction speed has to be reduced noticeable below 1 mm/day and the initial immobilisation should be for more than a week.     

Limb lengthening by physeal distraction

I evaluated 10 consecutive lengthenings through the upper tibial physis in 9 patients. A bilateral frame consisting of two small-sized Wagner devices and two pairs of 4-mm transfixing pins with 5-mm-diameter central threads were used. The median lengthening was 6.7 cm. Complications were frequent. The risk of a growth disturbance is very high, and physeal distraction should therefore only be applied towards the end of the growth period.     

Limb lengthening by physeal distraction

I evaluated 10 consecutive lengthenings through the upper tibial physis in 9 patients. A bilateral frame consisting of two small-sized Wagner devices and two pairs of 4-mm transfixing pins with 5-mm-diameter central threads were used. The median lengthening was 6.7 cm. Complications were frequent. The risk of a growth disturbance is very high, and physeal distraction should therefore only be applied towards the end of the growth period.     

Comparison between upper and lower limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia: a retrospective study

Lengthening of the humerus is now an established technique. We compared the complications of humeral lengthening with those of femoral lengthening and investigated whether or not the callus formation in the humerus proceeds at a higher rate than that in the femur. A total of 24 humeral and 24 femoral lengthenings were performed on 12 patients with achondroplasia. We measured the pixel value ratio (PVR) of the lengthened area on radiographs and each radiograph was analysed for the shape, type and density of the callus. The quality of life (QOL) of the patients after humeral lengthening was compared with that prior to surgery. The complication rate per segment of humerus and femur was 0.87% and 1.37%, respectively. In the humerus the PVR was significantly higher than that of the femur. Lower limbs were associated with an increased incidence of concave, lateral and central callus shapes. Humeral lengthening had a lower complication rate than lower-limb lengthening, and QOL increased significantly after humeral lengthening. Callus formation in the humerus during the distraction period proceeded at a significantly higher rate than that in the femur. These findings indicate that humeral lengthening has an important role in the management of patients with achondroplasia.