Electromagnetic Rod in Lower Limb Lengthening: A Technical Note for Shaft Osteotomy

• Published in: Strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction 2019-09, Vol.14 (3), p.139-141
• Main Authors: Lopes, Miguel, Nunes, Bernardo, Couto, André, Freitas, Joana, Martins, Rui, Coutinho, Jorge, Costa, Gilberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 1828-8936; 1828-8928
• DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10080-1444

Long bone lengthening procedures are paramount in the treatment of limb length discrepancies. We witnessed a revolution in the treatment paradigm of this pathology with the development of expandable intramedullary rods. Endomedular nailing might be technically demanding and some steps are critical for success. The aim of authors is to describe a technical note of the PRECICE system that may ease femoral nailing and fixation: the nail can be advanced through the femur and proximal and distal fixation performed previous to complete femoral osteotomy. The authors present a case series of XX patients in which the limb lengthening has been performed with partial osteotomy with Gigli saw, nail advancement, proximal and distal fixation, and osteotomy completion at the end of the procedure. After 18 consecutive limb (femoral) lengthening operations with this technical variation in PRECICE, nail patients presented no significant lower limb length discrepancy. There were no records of rotational deformities, nonunion, or infection. Material failure was not reported. This technical note is another positive variable that can help to ease the procedure, minimise possible complications, and confirm magnetic expandable nails as the gold standard technique in limb lengthening procedures and it might be applied to other nailing systems for limb lengthening procedures. Lopes M, Nunes B, Couto A, Electromagnetic Rod in Lower Limb Lengthening: A Technical Note for Shaft Osteotomy. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2019;14(3):139-141.