Forearm lengthening

Abstract

Eleven cases of forearm shortening underwent lengthening using Ilizarov principles. The aetiology was hereditary multiple exostosis in 6 cases, radial club hand in 2 cases, and trauma in 3 cases. Average age at operation was 15.5 years (range, 9-40 years). At an average follow-up of 3.5 years (range, 2-6 years), there were 8 good, 2 fair and one poor results. Achieved lengthening ranged from 2 cm (10% of the original bone length) to 11 cm (110%). The average healing index was 40 days/cm. There were no neurovascular problems. Complications included pin tract infections in all cases, fracture of the regenerated bone in one case, breakage of a half pin in one case and increased carpal subluxation in another case. Combination of Ilizarov method and hybrid fixation provides a relatively safe method of forearm lengthening with possibility of deformity correction and gradual reduction of chronic dislocations.

Limb lengthening history, evolution, complications and current concepts

“…The primary indication for forearm lengthening is discrepancy between the radius and ulna, congenital longitudinal deficiency and trauma. The rate of distraction has to be modified according to the degree of regeneration to avoid the reported complication of delayed bone formation [64,65]. There are a few papers in the English literature reporting a small number of cases of short bone lengthening.…”

Post-osteomyelitic-acquired radial club hand deformity in children treated by centralization of ulna

“…1,2 Recently, bone transport using Ilizarov and callus distraction with monorail fixator are also used in treating forearm bone defect. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Our study comprised five cases (n ¼ 5) of acquired radial club hand with massive loss of bone in radius. In all the cases, the distal end of radius that is metaphysic and epiphysis were absorbed in disease process, only cartilaginous flange remained, thereby we adopted centralization of ulna and creation of one-bone forearm for our cases.…”

“…1,2 Recently, bone transport using Ilizarov and callus distraction with monorail fixator are also used in treating forearm bone defect. 6 –11…”

Deformity correction with the Taylor spatial frame after growth arrest of the distal radius: A technical note on 2 cases

“…Furthermore, it is difficult to control the proper amount of correction intraoperatively. Gradual corrections using callus distraction with external unilateral or Ilizarov ring fixators have been used more frequently in severe forearm shortening, especially in children with Madelung deformities (Villa et al 1990, Bader and Grill 2000, Houshian et al 2004, Hosny 2005, Matsuno et al 2006. The gradual correction of deformities allows soft tissue to adapt slowly to the lengthened bone.…”