Authors: Mohd Bakrynizam Abu Bakar Siddiq, Kamarul Izham Kamarudin, Kamarul Al Haq, Suresh Chopr.
ABSTRACT
Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is quite common. Lower limb shortening is one of the causes of limb length discrepancy. The common treatment that is used is the llizarov technique for bone lengthening. The new technique uses an intramedullary nail with a monoplanar external fixator. Using this technique, bone lengthening duration in patients can be reduced and knee joint mobility can be improved without jeopardizing bone regeneration. We report a case of a 27-year-old gentleman who had right femur shortening from childhood and was referred to us for corrective deformity. He underwent bone lengthening on the nail which lenghthens and equalizes the leg while avoiding stiffness and reduces joint mobility which leads to good patient satisfaction outcome. The use of the external fixator with intramedullary nailing to lengthen the femur is one method that can reduce patient burden mentally and physically. However although it has many advantages we must watch out for the complications during the regular visits to ensure good outcome.
Keywords: Bone lengthening, limb length discrepancy, external fixator.
Citation: IeJSME 2018 12(2): 26-29
