Original article
Bone lengthening using the Fitbone® motorized intramedullary nail: The first experience in France

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2015.10.011Get rights and content
Under an Elsevier user license
open archive

Abstract

Introduction

Intramedullary limb lengthening systems include mechanical systems (the Albizzia nail and the ISKD nail) as well as motorized systems with the Fitbone® (Wittenstein, Igersheim, Germany) and the Precice® (Ellipse Technologies, Irvine, CA, USA) nails. We hypothesized that limb lengthening using the Fitbone® nail was reliable, reproducible, and comfortable for the patient.

Patients and methods

Between 2010 and 2013, a prospective single-center, single-operator (FA) study was conducted on patients who had undergone limb lengthening using the Fitbone® nail. The inclusion criteria were length discrepancy of the limbs equal to or greater than 25 mm or a short stature. The exclusion criteria were indications for cosmetic reasons and/or growth plates that were still open. The lengthening parameters were assessed postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Lengthening was considered achieved when the lengthening objective did not differ by more than 5 mm. All complications were noted. A statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty-six Fitbone® nails were implanted in 23 patients, in the femur in 15 cases and the tibia in 11 cases. The patients’ mean age was 22.5 years (range: 15–53 years) and the mean follow-up was 3.4 years (range: 2–5.3 years). The limb lengthening targeted was obtained in 23 cases (88%) and the mean lengthening was 45.3 ± 18 mm (range: 20–80 mm). The mean time to healing was 277 ± 167 days (range: 86–638 days). The mean healing index was 73 ± 57 days/cm for the femurs and 83.5 ± 65 days/cm for the tibias. The mean complication rate was 15.4%.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the good short-term results of this motorized intramedullary lengthening system. An evaluation over the longer term and with a higher number of patients remains necessary.

Level of evidence

IV: uncontrolled, prospective, continuous study.

Keywords

Motorized nail
Length discrepancy
Bone lengthening
Fitbone®

Cited by (0)