Principles of Motorized Internal Lengthening of Long Bones

Motorized intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs) have revolutionized limb lengthening surgery and led to an expansion of indications utilizing them for both upper and lower limb lengthening, fracture compression, and nonunion treatment. There are biological and mechanical differences between using ILNs and using external fixators for lengthening surgery that the treating surgeon must be familiar with. Biological factors include regenerate quality, healing indices, and regenerate complications. Mechanical differences pertain to the lengthening axis, stability, and postoperative weight-bearing. Practical principles of ILNs use such as nail selection (entry point, nail length, lengthening nail problems), use of blocking screws, soft tissue releases (for nerve decompression, joint subluxation, and contractures) and physical therapy protocols are discussed.
Source: Techniques in Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Symposium Source Type: research