The Results of the Lower Limb Lengthening by Callus Distraction Method

Abstract

Although many methods are defined to reduce lower limb length differences, nowadays mostly these methods are used: Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis method, Wagner method, DeBastiani callus distraction method. In this study, limb lengthening by the callus distraction method of DeBastiani was performed on 23 femurs and tibias of 22 cases between November 1987-November 1996 in Ondokuz Mayis University Medicine Faculty Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department. The mean time of follow-up was 48.1 months (5 to 112). The mean age of the cases were 14.7 years (3 to 23). The surgical method employed has been described by DeBastiani and the Orthofix eksternal fixator was used on all cases. The mean limb length discrepancy was 5.8 cm (3.2 to 11.6) and the mean 3.9 cm (2.5 to 6.2) length was obtained. In the all cases, complication rate was 50%. As conclusion, it's determined that DeBastiani callus distraction method is a successful and safe method in reducing lower limb length differences because of these reasons: Enabling periosteal ossification, necessitating minimal exposure, shortening the staying period at hospital, being a stable system, accelerating corticalization by providing dynamization, better tolerable of patient and low complication rate.