Treatment of children with forearm deformities using the Ortho-SUV navigation system

Abstract

Background. Children with congenital dysplastic skeletal disorders often develop various multi-axial bone deformities in the forearm during growth, most commonly occurring against the backdrop of polyosseous exostotic chondrodysplasia. The main surgical treatment method for these children is currently external fixation. To correct pronounced angular deformities of the forearm bones, the use of a passive computer navigation system can be advantageous. The aim of the study is to compare the outcomes of correcting multi-axial deformities of the forearm bones in children using the Ortho-SUV navigation system versus without its use. Methods. The study is based on the analysis of examination and treatment results of 36 patients aged 4 to 16 years with forearm deformities associated with exostotic chondrodysplasia. All patients were examined and treated between 2008 and 2022 and were divided into two groups: the main group and the control group. The main group consisted of 13 patients who underwent the correction of forearm bone angular deformities using the Ortho-SUV navigation system based on passive computer navigation. The control group included 23 patients who had their forearm bone deformities corrected in the operating room by reducing bone fragments with an external fixator without the use of the Ortho-SUV navigation system. Results. Comparative assessment of the anatomical and functional outcomes in the studied groups showed that good results were achieved in 52.7% of cases (n = 19), most of them in the main group (n = 13). Satisfactory results were obtained only in the control group, where 17 (47.2%) patients experienced satisfactory outcomes. Conclusion. The use of the Ortho-SUV navigation system for correcting multi-axial deformities of the forearm bones in children allows for highly precise, dosed correction of all components of the deformities, achieving good radiological and functional outcomes.