Femoral lengthening over an intramedullary nail using the external fixator: risk of infection and knee problems in 22 patients with a follow-up of 2 years or more.

BACKGROUND

The time for femoral lengthening is shortened if external fixation is combined with intramedullary nailing. However, several complications have been reported with this procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of femoral lengthening performed over an intramedullary nail using external fixation in 22 patients. These patients were followed for a mean of 3.2 (2-5.2) years. The mean age was 22 (13-35) years at the time of the index procedure. The mean lengthening was 5 (2.7-8.1) cm and the external fixator was removed after median 20 (8-30) weeks. The mean external fixation index was 24 (11-35) days/cm and the mean consolidation index was 43 (26-55) days/cm of lengthening.

RESULTS

3 patients who had a past history of infection or open trauma developed osteomyelitis which required removal of the nail. There were 4 knee joint complications when the lengthening was over 20%, including posterior knee subluxation and patella subluxation. In 1 patient, the lengthened segment collapsed with breakage of locking screws.

INTERPRETATION

Although lengthening over a nail can reduce the duration of external fixation, caution is required to prevent major complications.