Complications in limb-lengthening procedures: a review of 49 cases

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and number of complications relative to magnitude of limb lengthening. Results and complications of 50 limb-lengthening procedures were analyzed. There were 49 patients. Mean age was 21 years (range, 7-48 years). Lengthening was performed in 24 fem...

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Published inThe American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.) Vol. 30; no. 6; p. 479
Main Authors Hantes, M E, Malizos, K N, Xenakis, T A, Beris, A E, Mavrodontidis, A N, Soucacos, P N
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.2001
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Bone Lengthening - adverse effects
Bone Lengthening - methods
Child
Female
Humans
Incidence
Leg Length Inequality - surgery
Male
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications - epidemiology
Probability
Prognosis
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index
Sex Distribution
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and number of complications relative to magnitude of limb lengthening. Results and complications of 50 limb-lengthening procedures were analyzed. There were 49 patients. Mean age was 21 years (range, 7-48 years). Lengthening was performed in 24 femora, 18 tibiae, 4 humerii, 3 radii, and 1 ulna. Average length gained was 5 cm (range, 3-15 cm) at average follow-up of 48 months (range, 12-76 months). Desired length was accomplished in all but 1 patient. The 69 complications varied in severity, but only 5 of these significantly impaired end results. The most serious complications occurred in patients with >30% bone lengthening. Patients with <15% lengthening had a significantly decreased complication rate. The healing index was lower in children. We conclude that incidence and severity of complications after limb-lengthening procedures are significantly influenced by relative lengthening of bone.
ISSN:1078-4519
1934-3418