What's new in pediatric lower limb reconstruction?

The last years brought many advances relevant to lower limb reconstruction. It feels like guided growth has been looked at from every angle, and still there are new emerging concepts like rotational guided growth waiting to be validated. New hexapod external devices are more accurate and easier to use, and new unilateral fixators allow for more versatile and stable fixation and lengthening.

Early Weight Bearing in Lengthening Nails.

Tissingh EK, Wright J, Calder P. Early Weight Bearing in Lengthening Nails. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(1):63.

Management of severe congenital femoral deficiency: Does surgical intervention enhance prosthetic function?

Background Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prosthetic outcome in patients with severe congenital femoral deficiency and the potential benefits of surgical intervention on prosthetic fitting and gait.

Methods: A retrospective review identified 26 active case records with a proximal femoral focal deficiency using a prosthesis. Validated outcome measures evaluated comfort, function, and prosthetic use and quality-of-life assessment.

Miserable malalignment syndrome associated knee pain: a case for infra-tubercle tibial de-rotation osteotomy using an external fixator.

Introduction: Miserable malalignment syndrome is a complex torsional lower limb deformity with limited consensus on surgical treatment. We present the outcome of de-rotation of the tibia alone using an external fixator.

Methods: Fifteen patients (22 segments) were operated on between 2012 and 2020; 13 presented with anterior knee pain, and two presented with out-toeing.

An Update on the Intramedullary Implant in Limb Lengthening: A Quinquennial Review Part 2: Extending Surgical Indications and Further Innovation.

The use of the intramedullary lengthening nail has gained in popularity over the last decade. The reduction in complications associated with the use of external fixators and excellent patient outcomes has resulted in the largest change in management of limb length discrepancy since the concept of distraction osteogenesis was accepted by the Western world in the 1980s. Success following "simple" limb lengthening has led to surgeons extending the indications for the lengthening nail, including different bone segments, lengthening associated with potential joint instability and lengthening combined with acute deformity correction.

An update on the intramedullary implant in limb lengthening: A quinquennial review Part 1: The further influence of the intramedullary nail in limb lengthening.

The goal of limb lengthening is to restore length to bone, safely stretch soft tissues and improve quality of life with minimal complications. Traditionally this was achieved with the use of external fixators, associated with complications related to pin site tethering and infections, joint stiffness and regenerate deformity and fracture following frame removal. The duration of treatment also impacts on patient mental health and well-being.

Use of the Pixel Value Ratio Following Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: Uncomplicated Full Weight-bearing at Lower Threshold Values.

Aims: The pixel value ratio (PVR) can be used to assess regenerate consolidation after lengthening and guide advice for full weight-bearing (FWB). This study aimed to analyse the PVR in adults having femoral lengthening, the time to FWB and compare findings with the reported values in the literature.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective database review identified 100 eligible patients who underwent lengthening using the PRECICE nail (68 antegrade and 32 retrograde).

Tension-band Plating for Leg-length Discrepancy Correction.

Aim: Dual tension-band plates are used for temporary epiphysiodesis and longitudinal guided growth. The study aim was to assess rate of correction, to identify development of femoral and tibial intra-articular deformity during correction and to document resumption of growth after plate removal.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study of 34 consecutive patients treated with dual tension-band plates between 2012 and 2020 was performed.

Osteofibrous dysplasia of the tibia : the importance of deformity in surveillance.

Aims: Osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) is a rare benign lesion predominantly affecting the tibia in children. Its potential link to adamantinoma has influenced management. This international case series reviews the presentation of OFD and management approaches to improve our understanding of OFD.

Development of a patient-reported outcome measure in limb reconstruction : a pilot study assessing face validity.

Aims: Patients undergoing limb reconstruction surgery often face a challenging and lengthy process to complete their treatment journey. The majority of existing outcome measures do not adequately capture the patient-reported outcomes relevant to this patient group in a single measure. Following a previous systematic review, the Stanmore Limb Reconstruction Score (SLRS) was designed with the intent to address this need for an effective instrument to measure patient-reported outcomes in limb reconstruction patients.

Analysis of retrieved STRYDE nails.

Aims: The aim of this study was to present the first retrieval analysis findings of PRECICE STRYDE intermedullary nails removed from patients, providing useful information in the post-market surveillance of these recently introduced devices.

Methods: We collected ten nails removed from six patients, together with patient clinical data and plain radiograph imaging. We performed macro- and microscopic analysis of all surfaces and graded the presence of corrosion using validated semiquantitative scoring methods.

Early results from a single centre's experience with the STRYDE nail : a cause for concern?

Aims: The STRYDE nail is an evolution of the PRECICE Intramedullary Limb Lengthening System, with unique features regarding its composition. It is designed for load bearing throughout treatment in order to improve patient experience and outcomes and allow for simultaneous bilateral lower limb lengthening. The literature published to date is limited regarding outcomes and potential problems.

Thromboprophylaxis in Intramedullary Limb Lengthening Surgery.

Aim: The use of intramedullary lengthening devices is becoming increasingly popular. There are limited data regarding the incidence of venous thromboembolism following intramedullary lengthening surgery and no reports or guidance for current practice on use of thromboprophylaxis. Following a case of post-operative deep vein thrombosis in our institution, we felt that it is important to assess best practice.

Reducing the Risk of Ring Breakage in Taylor Spatial Frames: The Effect of Frame Configuration on Strain at the Half-ring Junction.

Aim: We have encountered four cases with Taylor spatial frames (TSF) (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN, USA) with breakage at the half-ring junction of the distal ring. This study examines the strain produced on different locations of the distal ring during loading and the effects on the strain of altering the frame construct.

Materials And Methods: We mounted two ring TSF constructs on tibia saw bone models.

Regenerate Deformity with the Precice Tibial Nail.

Unlabelled: Limb lengthening by distraction osteogenesis is an accepted orthopaedic surgical technique. The Precice intramedullary lengthening system is the most recent innovation in limb lengthening. Early results have been favourable in femoral lengthening but there is little reported on the outcome in tibial lengthening.

Providing a paediatric trauma and orthopaedics service during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital experience.

Introduction: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rapidly implemented restructuring of UK healthcare services. The The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, became a central hub for the provision of trauma services for North Central/East London (NCEL) while providing a musculoskeletal tumour service for the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales and an urgent spinal service for London. This study reviews our paediatric practice over this period in order to share our experience and lessons learned.

Pediatric Lower Limb Lengthening Using the PRECICE Nail: Our Experience With 50 Cases.

Background: Limb lengthening using intramedullary externally controlled motorized devices is becoming increasingly popular. There is limited literature regarding their use in the pediatric and adolescent population. This study reviews outcomes on 50 consecutive cases of intramedullary lower limb lengthening surgery in this population.

Femoral lengthening using the Precice intramedullary limb-lengthening system: outcome comparison following antegrade and retrograde nails.

Aims: The Precice intramedullary limb-lengthening system has demonstrated significant benefits over external fixation lengthening methods, leading to a paradigm shift in limb lengthening. This study compares outcomes following antegrade and retrograde femoral lengthening in both adolescent and adult patients.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was undertaken of a consecutive series of 107 femoral lengthening operations in 92 patients.

External fixation for the correction of adult post-traumatic deformities.

Malalignment of the lower limb is a significant factor in the progression of arthritis of the knee and ankle, and correction of deformity can slow the progress and reduce symptoms. It is less clear that malalignment can cause arthritis de novo, but in post traumatic deformity it has been shown that a fracture of the tibia can increase the risk of pain and stiffness of the knee and ankle irrespective of deformity. The management of deformity of the lower limb by external fixation requires a careful systematic method of deformity analysis combining clinical and radiographic assessment is essential to avoid the pitfalls of overlooking potential soft tissue problems, and hidden secondary deformities.

The role of external fixation in paediatric limb lengthening and deformity correction.

Limb deformity and shortening remains a common presenting complaint in paediatric orthopaedics. The ability to restore length, alignment with consistent bone formation allows standardised treatment in these difficult conditions. The use of an external fixator produces a stable construct which allows manipulation of the bone segments, with a controlled rate and rhythm.

An experimental evaluation of fracture movement in two alternative tibial fracture fixation models using a vibrating platform.

Several studies have investigated the effect of low-magnitude-high-frequency vibration on the outcome of fracture healing in animal models. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the micromovement at the fracture gap in a tibial fracture fixed with an external fixator in both a surrogate model of a tibial fracture and a cadaver human leg under static loading, both subjected to vibration. The constructs were loaded under static axial loads of 50, 100, 150 and 200 N and then subjected to vibration at each load using a commercial vibration platform, using a DVRT sensor to quantify static and dynamic fracture movement.

A Systematic Review of Patient-reported Outcome Measures Used in Circular Frame Fixation.

Introduction: Clinical studies in orthopedics are using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) increasingly. PROMs are often being designed for a specific disease or an area of the body with the aim of being patient centered. As yet, none exists specifically for treatment with circular ring external fixation devices.

Bilateral Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Does Closed Reduction Have a Role in Management? Outcome of Closed and Open Reduction in 92 Hips.

Background: Bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is believed to have a worse outcome than unilateral DDH with the optimal treatment unclear. To define indications for treatment we report a retrospective series of 92 hips (46 patients) who underwent closed reduction (CR) and/or open reduction (OR).

Methods: A total of 58 hips in 29 patients underwent attempted CR using our standardized protocol.

Assessment of material loss of retrieved magnetically controlled implants for limb lengthening.

Purpose: We aimed to understand wear from the telescopic component of PRECICE nails, which are used for distraction osteogenesis of the femur or tibia. We also aimed to identify any correlation between implant performance and patient factors.

Methods: This retrieval study involved 11 magnetically controlled intramedullary nails from nine patients who had achieved the targeted leg length.

The role of the intramedullary implant in limb lengthening.

Limb lengthening is now an accepted practice in orthopaedic surgery. The principles of distraction osteogenesis have become well established with the use of external fixators, utilizing both monolateral and ring fixators. Corticotomy technique, frame stability, lengthening rate and rhythm all contribute to the formation of bone regenerate and tissues.