Does Lengthening and Then Plating (LAP) Shorten Duration of External Fixation?

• DOI: 10.1007/s11999-011-2178-2
• Publication Date: 2011-11-14T15:43:38Z
• Authors: Ryhor Harbacheuski; Austin T. Fragomen; Robert S. Rozbruch
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Radiography; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; External Fixators; Tibia; Bone Lengthening; Humans; Female; Femur; Middle Aged; Bone Plates

Classic bone lengthening requires patients wear external fixation for the distraction and consolidation phases there is fracture risk after frame removal. Our technique of with Taylor Spatial Frame(TM) then insertion a locked plate allows earlier removal fixator during consolidation. Plate accomplished through clean pin-free zone avoiding contamination before maintaining position.We asked (1) whether plating (LAP) decrease time (2) how alignment complications compare those classic method.We performed retrospective case-matched comparison between LAP 27 extremities in each group. We compared wearing frame, healing index, joint ROM, alignment, complications.The index were lower group (4.5 versus 6.2 months 1.5 2 months/cm). Deviation from normal was observed seven six group, respectively. Varus malalignment two associated breakage. The incidence pin-tract infection greater (12 two). No deep infections occurred group.The shortened wore but high varus deformity. Stronger plates may help prevent deformity allow frame.Level III, therapeutic study (retrospective study). See Guidelines Authors complete description levels evidence.