Tibial Lengthening Technique

Lengthening of the tibia with a motorized internal nail is effective and has advantages over the traditional use of external fixation. Since nail entry is through the proximal end of the bone, it is indicated for skeletally mature patients. Principles of leg-lengthening must be followed but the techniques have been modified from those of external fixation. Fibula relationship to the tibia is protected with fibula length stabilization screws. If there is a deformity, then fixator assisted nailing and the use of blocking screws are used to acutely correct the alignment, and then gradual lengthening follows. Judicious use of soft-tissue procedures, such as fasciotomy, gastrocsoleus release, and peroneal nerve decompression are often needed.
Source: Techniques in Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Symposium Source Type: research