Complications and Effectiveness of Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: A Matched Pair Analysis of Two Different Lengthening Nails

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary limb lengthening has become an accepted concept in reconstructive surgery, but as yet comparative clinical studies are missing. We compared the complications and effectiveness of two types of intramedullary limb lengthening devices (ISKD®; Fitbone®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective series of 278 consecutive patients with internal limb lengthening, we found 17 matching pairs in terms of predefined matching parameters (group I with ISKD® and group II with Fitbone®). The surgeries were all performed with the same technique and managed with equivalent pre- and postoperative treatment protocols. The performance of the implants was evaluated using the distraction index and the weight-bearing index. Complications were rated according to Paley's classification for external lengthening. RESULTS: The distraction index in group I (ISKD®) was 0.99 mm/day (range 0.55–1.67) and in the group II (Fitbone®) 0.55 mm/day (range 0.14–0.92) (p value = 0.001). The mean weight-bearing index differed between group I and group II from 32.0 day/cm (range 16.4–64.0) to 51.6 day/cm (25.8–95.0) (p value = 0.001). There were 17 recorded incidents in group I and 19 in group II during lengthening. CONCLUSION: Specific technical handicaps of the two systems, such as the so-called runaway of the ISKD® and backtracking of the Fitbone® nails seem to result in different distraction index and weight-bearing index. Further comparative studies might induce technical progress in intramedullary limb lengthening. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Thaller PH, Frankenberg F, Degen N, et al. Complications and Effectiveness of Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: A Matched Pair Analysis of Two Different Lengthening Nails. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(1):7–12.