Plating after lengthening (PAL): technical notes and preliminary clinical experiences.

INTRODUCTION

Shortening the period of time for the external fixator after limb lengthening decreases the complication rate and increases the patient satisfaction.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We describe the plating after lengthening (PAL) as a new technique on five patients with limb length discrepancy (1 femoral, 4 tibial) who had lengthening procedure with Ilizarov technique. The mean amount of lengthening was 50 mm. The mean lengthening period was 100 days (5-135 days). When the lengthening period ended, the locking compression plate was applied percutaneously by using the technique of minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis, and the Ilizarov external fixator was removed.

RESULTS

The fixator-free period was achieved at the beginning of the consolidation phase, except in two patients, which were delayed for plating because of pin-tract infection. No complication was encountered except in one patient who had limited flexion of knee joint. There was no need for blood transfusion.

DISCUSSION

The PAL, which shortened the period of time for the external fixator, was an easy and safe method for the fixation of the bone after limb lengthening.