Use of double-row monolateral Trauma-Fix unibar lengthener for femur lengthening in patients with leg length discrepancy

Tung Yi Lin, Wen E. Yang*, Chia Hsieh Chang, Hsuan Kai Kao, Wei Chun Li

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

Abstract

We report the case of a patient in whom the use of monolateral double-row Trauma-Fix lengthener was successful for femur lengthening after initial difficulty in lengthening by using the single-row lengthener. Problem and case report: A girl 12 years of age presented with a leg-length discrepancy (LLD) of 8 cm and left genu valgum deformity due to a trauma-induced left distal femur physial lesion during her infancy. The patient's weight and height were 38 kg and 148 cm, respectively, and the mechanical axis was 16 degrees of valgus at the time of operation. The lengthening procedure was initiated on postoperative day 7 after the initial correction of the genu valgum deformity. However, no distraction was observed at the osteotomy site, and a convergent angulation deformity developed at the pin-clamp joint. Method and outcome: This problem was resolved successfully with the addition of another row of the Trauma-Fix lengthening device, which was linked via the previously applied pins. A final lengthening of 7.5 cm was achieved in 3 months by using the double-row lengthener without pin tract infection or breakage. The monolateral frame of the Trauma-Fix lengthener was removed in the 11th postoperative month after a solid union of the femur was achieved. The postoperative mechanical axis of the knee was 4 degrees varus. The monolateral double-row lengthener device that showed high efficiency and improved the strength of the ball joints were used along the single-row lengthener, and it may serve as a good alternative for augmentation of insufficient ball joints during limb lengthening.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)104-107
Number of pages4
JournalFormosan Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 08 2012

Keywords

  • Double row lengthener
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Monolateral femur lengthening

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