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BackgroundLimb lengthening using an external fixator requires a long period of external fixation and may be associated with several complications such as axial deformity, fracture of the regenerated bone, and joint stiffness. With the goal of reducing the time of external fixation as well as some of these complications, we performed femoral or tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail, according to Paley’s technique, in 28 patients, followed up after a mean period of 8 years.Materials and methodsTwenty-eight patients treated for lower limb discrepancy by limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail were reviewed from 5 to 11 years after healing of regenerated bone. There were 20 femurs and 8 tibiae, with average age at surgery of 14.2 years and average length inequality of 6.1 cm for femurs and 5.3 cm for tibiae.ResultsThe mean lengthening was 5.8 cm for femurs and 4.8 cm for tibiae. The mean period of radiographic consolidation of the regenerated bone was 6 months for femoral lengthening and 4.5 months for tibial lengthening. At follow-up, we observed 8 excellent results, 15 good results, 4 fair results, and 1 poor result, based on Paley’s evaluation criteria. The main complications were one deep infection, one nonunion of the distracted segment, one breakage of the distal fiche of the external fixator, and one breakage of both distal locking screws of the intramedullary nail.DiscussionWe believe that limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail still represents a good method to treat limb length discrepancy because it reduces the time of external fixation, prevents axial deformities and fractures of regenerated bone, and allows early rehabilitation. The new intramedullary lengthening nails, which theoretically are the ideal device for treating limb length inequality, are still very expensive and need longer follow-up for definitive evaluation.Level of evidence4.

Background Historical papers on the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip suggest the use of preliminary traction to facilitate closed reduction or to decrease the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. In the 1980s, some authors questioned the role of preliminary traction and suspended its use, yielding satisfactory results. Since then, several studies called into question this method, and some authors have continued to recommend preliminary traction while other authors have discouraged its use. Materials and methods We reanalysed the full set of radiographs of 71 hips (52 patients) surgically treated by a medial approach after 4 weeks of preoperative longitudinal traction. The mean age at operation was 16 months. Before and after traction, the height of the dislocation was graded according to the Gage and Winter method. The hips were divided into two groups: group 1, in which the traction was effective, and group 2, in which the traction was not effective. These two groups were statistically analysed regarding the severity of the dislocation, the age of the patient at surgery and the incidence of AVN. Results Preliminary traction was effective in 48 hips (68%, group 1), while it was not effective in the remaining 23 (32%, group 2). The effectiveness of preliminary traction was statistically related to the height of the dislocation and to the age of the patient at surgery, with traction being less effective in more severe dislocations and in older children. The incidence of AVN was statistically lower in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusions In our study population, despite not having a control group, preliminary traction—when effective—seemed to reduce the incidence of AVN in patients surgically treated for congenital dislocation of the hip. The effectiveness of the traction was influenced by the severity of the dislocation and the age of the patient; it worked better for less severe dislocations and in younger children. To reduce hospital costs, traction should be applied at home. Level of evidence 3.

Background Primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Surgical treatment is used when conservative treatment, such as splinting or oral analgesics, fails. The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcomes obtained in 40 patients (50 thumbs) surgically treated for thumb osteoarthritis by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition. Materials and methods Forty patients (50 thumbs), with severe trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis, surgically treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition were reviewed after an average follow-up of 8 years. All patients were women. At follow-up, clinical results were evaluated on the basis of the DASH score, possible presence of pain and the following criteria: palmar abduction of the thumb, carpometacarpal joint opposition of the thumb (Kapandji), extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint and strength of the hand. Results The DASH score improved from 42.65 (preoperatively) to 16 (at follow-up), and most patients were asymptomatic. Palmar abduction of the thumb averaged 57 mm. Carpometacarpal joint opposition averaged 8.8. Metacarpophalangeal extension was abnormally increased in 86% of the cases. The strength of the operated hand was comparable to the contralateral side in 46 cases. Radiographic examinations showed a slight proximal migration of the first metacarpal bone (