Stimulation of Distraction Osteogenesis in Limb Lengthening: Our Concept

Background. Currently, limb lengthening is a widespread operation used in clinical and cosmetic practice. However, in the process of implementing this technology, its main drawbacks were revealed: the duration of treatment and the slowing down of the process of osteogenesis in the elongation zone. Rapid distraction in the external fixator or with an intramedullary rod can lead to a slowdown in osteogenesis and soft tissue complications, including neuropathy and soft tissue eruption. The aim - to develop a present its own concept of stimulating distraction osteogenesis in limb elongation, based on many years of clinical experience. Materials and Methods. This study is based on the long-term experience of the Ilizarov Center in limb lengthening (using data from clinical and experimental studies performed in the institution: more than 200 animals and 8000 patients), as well as literature data. Results. The introduction of the considered methods of stimulation of osteogenesis made it possible to significantly reduce the treatment time of patients and thereby reduce the number of possible complications characteristic of transosseous osteosynthesis. Systemic diseases, congenital malformation of the segment can negatively affect the quality of the new bone. Conclusions. The use of methods of stimulation of osteogenesis allows to reduce treatment time and increase osteogenesis when limb lengthening, which allows, if necessary, to provide re-lengthening of the segment without increasing treatment time.