Association Between Baby Walker Use and Infant Functional Motor Development.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between baby walker use and infant motor development, quality of gait, and potential development of lower extremity deformities. METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted among 6874 parents and legal guardians regarding the use of baby walkers, their children's development, and the occurrence of lower extremity deformities and gait disorders. A total of 969 questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: Baby walkers were used by 15.6% of children. A higher percentage of children who used baby walkers omitted crawling compared with the 10.7% of children who did not use baby walkers. Gait disorders occurred at a similar percentage in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of baby walkers may be associated with infant motor development. Infants who used a baby walker were 3 times more likely to not have crawled for mobility than those who did not use a baby walker.

Humeral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia and in patients with post-septic shortening: comparison of procedure efficiency and safety.

PURPOSE: Although humeral lengthening in patients with achondroplasia is an accepted procedure for improving functional status, there is still a paucity of information about the effectiveness of the method. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of humeral lengthening using monolateral fixators in patients with achondroplasia and unilateral shortening. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (31 humeri) were included in this study. The study group consisted of eight patients with achondroplasia (16 segments). The control group consisted of 13 patients with post-septic shortening of the humerus (15 segments). All subjects underwent distraction osteogenesis with the use of a monolateral fixator. RESULTS: The mean lengthening in the patients with achondroplasia was 8.29 cm, whereas in the control group it was 7.34 cm (p = 0.1677). The mean lengthening percentage in the patients with achondroplasia (50% of the initial length of the humerus) was significantly greater than in the control group (33% of the initial length of the humerus) (p = 0.0007). The mean healing index was 24.8 days/cm in the patients with achondroplasia and 28.56 days/cm in the control group (p = 0.1832). The overall complication rates for the achondroplastic and post-septic patients were, respectively, 175% and 160% (p = 0.1420). CONCLUSIONS: Humeral lengthening with use of monolateral fixators in patients with achondroplasia is an efficient method. Although the segment lengthening percentage is significantly greater in patients with achondroplasia than in patients with post-septic shortening of the humerus, the safety of this procedure is comparable.

Kinesiophobia in pre-operative patients with cervical discopathy and coexisting degenerative changes in relation to pain-related variables, psychological state and sports activity.

BACKGROUND: No research group has ever investigated the level of kinesiophobia in a well defined group of preoperative patients treated due to cervical discopathy and degenerative spine disease, confirmed by X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. We aimed to investigate the degree of kinesiophobia and the differences in pain-related and psychosocial characteristics between patients with high and low levels of kinesiophobia, in relation to factors commonly associated with neck pain. MATERIAL/METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive patients with cervical discopathy and coexisting degenerative changes were assessed pre-surgically. The mean pain duration was 31.7 SD 34.0 months. Patients completed the Polish versions of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-PL) on 2 occasions, and the following once: Neck Disability Index (NDI-PL), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-PL), Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ-PL), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS-PL). RESULTS: A high level of kinesiophobia was indicated in 81.5% and 87.7% of patients in first and second completion, respectively. Patients with high and low kinesiophobia differ in regards to the recreation section of NDI-PL (p=0.012), gender (p=0.043), and sports activity (p=0.024). Correlations were identified between TSK-PL and marital status (p=0.023) and sports activity (p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiophobia levels are higher in patients with chronic cervical pain before surgical treatment. Fear of movement tends to be higher in women and among patients avoiding sports recreation before surgical treatment. Although sports activity and socio-demographic data are predictors of kinesiophobia, psychological, pain-related, and clinical data are not. These findings should be considered when planning rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cervical discopathy and coexisting degenerative changes.

Hip Joint Stability during and after Femoral Lengthening in Congenital Femoral Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Hip stability remains a major preoccupation during femoral lengthening in Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD). We aimed to review hip stability in Paley type 1a CFD patients undergoing femoral lengthening. METHODS: A total of 33 patients with unilateral CFD, who were treated between 2014 and 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. In 20/33 cases (60.6%) the SUPERhip preparatory surgery was performed at a mean age of 4.3 years (range 2.7-8.1). The femoral lengthening using an external fixator was performed at a mean age of 7.8 years (range 4.3-14.3). RESULTS: All patients presented with a stable hip joint after preparatory surgery and during femoral lengthening. Six cases of hip instability at a mean of 637 days after the external fixator removal were observed (range 127 to 1447 days). No significant differences between stable and unstable hips were noted for (1) Center-Edge Angle: 23.7 vs. 26.1 deg; (2) Acetabular Inclination: 12.8 vs. 11.7 deg; and (3) Ex-Fix Index: 35.6 days/cm vs. 42.4 days/cm; p > 0.05. Late hip instability was related to Coxa Vara and decreased femoral antetorsion before lengthening. CONCLUSIONS: Late hip joint instability in Paley type 1a CFD patients may occur long after femoral lengthening despite hip morphology appearing to be normal on radiograms before and at the end of femoral lengthening. Coxa Vara, femoral torsional deformity, and posterior acetabular deficiency might be risk factors for hip instability.

Intermediate ray deficiency--a new type of lower limb hypoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of fibular hemimelia is based on the identification of absence or shortening of the fibula in relation to the tibia. Despite the existence of different classifications of this congenital deficiency, certain morphological forms defy proper classification. One such form is absence of foot rays with leg shortening in the presence of an entire fibula. In these cases, foot morphology suggests that central foot rays, not lateral ones, are affected by the deficiency; thus justifying the hypothesis concerning the existence of a separate type of hypoplasia, which may be named "intermediate ray deficiency" (IRD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with IRD, with an average age of 9.4 years at diagnosis (2.9-15), were analyzed. Clinical and radiographic parameters of the leg and foot were recorded according to the Stanitski classification of fibular hemimelia. The position of the lateral and medial malleoli was assessed. Axial alignment was analyzed according to the Paley method. RESULTS: The number of foot rays in eight cases was 4, while in one case, it was 3. Talocalcaneal synostosis was observed in seven cases. The shape of the ankle joint was spherical in six cases, horizontal in two cases and valgus in one case. The position of the lateral malleolus was slightly higher compared to normal. An average functional leg length discrepancy was 4.4 cm. The average percentage of fibular shortening was 9.5 %, tibial shortening 8.7 % and femoral shortening 3.3 %. In all of the cases, slight knee valgus was observed on the femoral level (average 3.3°) and tibial level (average 2.0°). As a result, criteria for IRD diagnosis were proposed. CONCLUSION: "Intermediate ray deficiency" might be defined as a separate type of lower limb hypoplasia.

Operative treatment of paralytic hip dislocation in myelomeningocele by Dega transiliac osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transfer: technique and historical case series.

The technique of one stage procedure - open reduction, Dega transiliac with or without femoral subtrochanteric osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transfer according to Mustard - has been described for the treatment of paralytic dislocation of the hip in myelomeningocele patients. Historical series of 16 children (26 hips) operated on between 1987 and 2003 were analyzed retrospectively. There were nine boys and seven girls with upper and lower lumbar level lesions (15 with Sharrard groups 3 and 4 and one with Sharrard 2) and 20 dislocated and six subluxated hips. The mean age at operation was 5.1 years (3-12.3). Ten children were operated bilaterally. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 17 years (mean 10). Concentric reduction was achieved in 23 hips, subluxation in 1 and redislocation in 2. In one hip, acute avascular necrosis of the femoral head was visible early after operation. Immediately after the operation, most of the patients improved ambulation. After operation, 15 patients out of 16 became community ambulators. At the final follow-up, none of the patients worsened their ambulation due to operation. Open reduction and Dega transiliac osteotomy with or without subtrochanteric derotation/varus shortening osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transfer seem to be safe and valuable procedure for operative treatment of dislocated hip in myelomeningocele patients. Levels of evidence: level IV - case series.

Is scoliosis a source of pain?

Purpose: Pain in scoliosis is definitely a hot topic with growing popularity. The literature remains very controversial, with a pain prevalence ranging from 23% to 90%, but this can be explained by the great heterogeneity of the numerous series. The aim of this review was to report results from the literature regarding pain in relation to scoliosis regardless of the etiology. Methods: A bibliographic search in Medline and Google database from 2003 to March 2023 was performed. Relevant literature was analyzed, summarized, and discussed based on authors' experience. A 1-year prospective series of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was also included to compare with the existing literature. Results: A total of 126 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were included, with a mean preoperative Cobb angle of 64.5° (range, 45°-112°). Reported pain prevalence was 34.1%. Pain and no-pain groups were very different in their self-reported experience, with a very low mean visual analogue scale score of 0.5 (± 0.6) in the no pain group, while visual analogue scale averaged 5.6 (± 1.2) in the pain group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between groups regarding the most relevant demographic and radiological parameters. Conclusion: Evidence-based literature on "scoliosis as a source of pain" remains ambiguous. There seems to be a consensus on the lack of direct relationship between deformity magnitude and back pain intensity. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient is therefore necessary before any treatment, including medical history, clinical examination, and relevant imaging for any child with scoliosis and back pain. Level of evidence: Level VI.

Outcomes of double-incision posterior knee release for severe knee flexion contracture.

Many surgical solutions for knee flexiondeformity in the pediatric population alter the anatomical bony alignment in the distal femur. Posterior knee capsule release has been presented as an alternative surgical procedurethat maintains the anatomical shape of relevant bones while solving the issue of knee flexion contracture. The aim of this study is to assess the results of a double-incision posteriorknee capsulotomy release performed on pediatric patients with neuromuscular or congenital severe knee flexion deformity. Thirty cases (24 patients, mean age 7.4 years) of severe knee flexion contractures were retrospectively analyzed in a cohort of varying underlying conditions (including spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, sclerodermia, and congenital patellar dislocations). Posterior knee release was performed through medial and lateral short incisions with subsequent serial casting. Range and pace of correction as well as the complication rate were recorded. Follow-up information (>1 year) included functionality (FMS scale) and pain (Kujala/Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Score [KOOS]) scales. Significant correction in the knee position was achieved in all analyzed knees (from mean 40.2° to 0.7°; P < 0.01). Twenty-nine out of 30 cases achieved correction by 7 days postoperatively (average number of casts: 1.93 ± 1.05). Overall complication rate in the analyzed cohort reached 6.7% (2/30 cases; double metaphyseal fracture and arthrofibrosis). At follow-up (22.3 months on average), functional ambulation and pain parameters improved drastically, with no further complications observed. Double-incision posterior knee release is an effective method of knee contracture release, which does not affect the axial alignment of the distal femoral bone. Thus, posterior knee release should be considered as potential alternatives to osteotomies and eight-plate corrections, which are currently the basic methods of knee contracture treatment.

Lower limb inequality treatment with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy fixed with intramedullary nail.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to analyze the results of treating the lower limb inequality with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy fixed with interlocking intramedullary nail. The analyzed material includes 14 patients aged 16 to 36 (mean 25), in whom femoral shortening osteotomy fixed with interlocking nail was performed. In all patients the indication for this therapeutic method was lower limb inequality caused by femur shortening and accompanied by contraindication for femoral lengthening procedure. Limb length inequality ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 cm (mean 3.8). The follow-up period was between 2 and 6 years (mean 3.8). MATERIAL/METHODS: All patients underwent open subtrochanteric femoral osteotomy with interlocking intramedullary nail fixation. The amount of bone resected from the femoral subtrochanteric area ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 cm (mean 3.3). Dynamization of the nail (removal of one or two peripheral interlocking screws) was performed in 11 patients. RESULTS: In all patients the expected limb shortening was achieved. Osteotomy site union was observed in 8 out of 14 patients 3.5 to 6 months (mean 4.8) after the surgery. In 3 patients delayed union was observed after 10-12 months (mean 11). In other 3 patients the lack of union did not cause any major problems, but it required additional surgical intervention (Judet-Forbes procedure, PRP administration). Following the procedure the union was observed after 30, 31 and 60 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy fixed with interlocking intramedullary nail is a good alternative method in lower limb inequality treatment in the adult patients in whom the Ilizarov method is contraindicated. Few complications such as delayed union are well tolerated due to intramedullary fixation, and only some of them may require secondary surgical intervention.

Is acetabular dysplasia and pelvic deformity properly interpreted in patients with congenital femoral deficiency? A 3D analysis of pelvic computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the pelvis's morphology and spatial orientation of the acetabulum, and their relation to the severity of Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD) using 3D imaging. Defining these pathologies is crucial for adequate surgical correction. METHODS: The shape and structure of the acetabulum and pelvis were evaluated in 14 children with unilateral CFD via 3D computed tomography (CT) scans, and then analysed with geometric morphometrics (Procrustes ANOVA). The association between pelvic directional asymmetry and CFD classifications (Aitken, Paley) was assessed. The affected acetabulum's orientation was compared to the non-affected side, and the variability of orientation in different CFD types was evaluated (bivariate correlation). RESULTS: The hemipelvis with CFD is characterized by a smaller acetabulum, a laterally curved ischium and a less upright ilium (p < 0.001). Multivariate regressions revealed a greater level of pelvis asymmetry in more severe types of CFD (p < 0.001). The acetabulum orientation assessment showed a significant decrease in mean anteversion (1.3°) and inclination (9.6°) angle, when compared to the non-affected side (26°and 17.1° respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The affected side of the pelvis is considerably smaller and more deformed, and this should be considered during limb lengthening. The acetabulum presents with significant dysplasia due to its severe retroversion and steepness (superoposterior distortion). This should not be interpreted as a simple wall deficit, but as a complete acetabular misalignment (often misinterpreted in 2D imagery). Using transiliac osteotomies (e.g. Dega, Salter) is debatable due to abnormal acetabular orientation (superoposterior malalignment). Therefore, alternative options, e.g. San Diego or triple pelvic osteotomy, should be considered.

Expression of Estrogen Receptor Coactivator Proline-, Glutamic Acid- and Leucine-Rich Protein 1 within Paraspinal Muscles in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to detect and assess the estrogen receptor (ESR) coactivator PELP1 expression within human paraspinal skeletal muscles in patients suffering from idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: During surgical correction of scoliosis the muscle biopsies harvested in 29 females. Presence of PELP1, ESR1 and ESR2 genes transcripts was studied using RT-qPCR technique while immunohistochemistry and western blot methods were used to detect the PEPL1 protein presence. RESULTS: PELP1 expression in deep paraspinal muscles revealed higher than in superficial back muscles (p = 0.005). Positive immunohistochemical staining for PELP1 was observed in the nuclei of the paraspinal muscle cells. Western blot revealed PELP1 protein in all samples. No significant difference in PELP1 expression between the convex and the concave scoliosis side (p>0.05) was found. In deep paraspinal back muscles, a significant correlation between the PELP1 expression level on the concave side and the Cobb angle (r = 0.4; p<0.05) was noted as well as between the PELP1 and ESR1 expression level (r = 0.7; p<0.05) while no correlation between PELP1 and ESR2 expression level was found. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, three techniques for the first time demonstrated the presence of the PELP1 in paraspinal muscles of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The PELP1 potential regulatory impact on back muscle function is to be further investigated.

Foot lengthening using the Ilizarov device: the transverse tarsal joint resection versus osteotomy.

The aim of the study was the evaluation of both the foot correction and foot lengthening obtained using the distraction method with osteotomies versus distraction after the transverse tarsal joint resection. Ten patients (10 feet) aged from 5 years to 24 years (average, 10.5 years) were analyzed. Seven of them were treated for severe equinovarus deformity: six of congenital and one of post-traumatic etiology. In three patients, the indication for treatment was foot shortening due to hypoplasia with tibial shortening, combined with foot deformity. Preoperative shortening of the foot ranged from 1.5 cm to 10 cm (average, 4.5 cm). In four patients, osteotomy between the tarsometatarsal and transverse tarsal joints was carried out. In two cases, 'V-shaped' osteotomy through the hindfoot and midfoot was performed. In the remaining four patients, wedge resection of the transverse tarsal joint was performed. The follow-up was a mean of 32 months (range, 12-55 months). It was observed that foot lengthening after transverse osteotomy of the midfoot is difficult and unpredictable, because of distraction at the adjacent joints level instead of osteotomy site. The greatest lengthening of the foot (mean, 4 cm) was observed in the patients with the transverse tarsal joint resection. It was concluded that the transverse tarsal joint resection following callus distraction in the place of the resected joint is the effective method for foot lengthening, which can be combined with deformity correction.

The surgical treatment of short stature: management strategy and local experience.

Background. This article presents the indications and counterindications for the application of limb lengthening using distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of patients with short stature. Various treatment strategies are described. The factors influencing the choice of strategy are discussed, the means used to determine the extent and level of lengthening, and the optimum age to begin treatment. Material and methods. On the basis of their own material the authors present the problems, obstacles, and complications occurring during treatment. During the period 1997-2000 a total of 5 patients were treated for short stature, averaging 18 years of age. In these cases the "crossed" technique of surgical treatment was applied, using an Ilizarov apparatus on the tibia and an Italian modification on the leg. Results. A total of 8 tibial segments (ave. 7 cm) and 8 femoral segments (ave. 7.5 cm) were lengthened. The average increase in stature was 14.8 cm (a 12% increase over the growth prior to treatment). Conclusions. The methods applied produced good results in patients with non-proportional dwarfism, while the majority of complications involved patients with constitutionally short stature. This confirms the necessity to make a strict selection of healthy persons undertaking to increase their stature for cosmetic reasons.

The application of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of foot deformities.

Background. This article presents the indicationa and counterindications for the application of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of foot deformities. Two basic methods for the correction of deformities are described: distraction of soft tissues and distraction at the site of osteotomy. The surgical procedure for the distraction method is described, along with indications for various types of osteotomy in the vicnity of the foot (aboveankle osteotomy, U osteotomy, V osteotomy, posterior osteotomy of the calcaneal bone, osteotomies between the Lisfranic and Chopart joints). The authors also present their own alternative method for the correction of deformities, which consists in a combination of joint resection with distraction at the resection site.
Material and method. The treatment outcome is presented for 23 feet in 27 patients treated with an Ilizarov apparatus. Various surgical techniques were used.
Results. Complete and permanent correction of foot shape was achieved in 18 of the 23 patients. Is the remaining 5 patients further treatment was required.
Conclusions. The use of the Ilizarov method in treating foot deformities produces favorable results.

Congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia and fibula: treatment option by multilevel osteotomy.

Few papers have described patients treated surgically with single osteotomy for congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia and fibula. Only one paper has described two-level osteotomy for deformity correction: the first for deformity correction and the second for bone lengthening. There are no publications describing the surgical correction of deformation only by the method of multilevel tibial and fibular osteotomy. Research material included four children aged between 3.1 and 5.1 years (average age: 3.7 years) who were operated upon for bowing of the tibia and fibula exceeding 35° in the coronal plane. In all cases, tibial osteotomy was carried out at three or two levels accompanied by fibular osteotomy, and with intramedullary stabilization using K-wires (three patients) or Rush pin (one patient). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 7.7 years. In all cases, axis correction and bone healing were achieved. In large congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia and fibula, a multilevel tibial and fibular osteotomy may be a better solution than an orthosis or a long time waiting for a spontaneous correction of the deformation. Large circumferential periosteal release that accompanied the surgery influenced the stimulation of bone growth. It may induce the process of lower limbs' equalization not to require the application of intensive surgical procedures.

Factors influencing bone regenerate healing in distraction osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: The dynamics and effectiveness of new bone formation in the Ilizarov method varies according to different factors. Some of them may result in substantial prolongation of treatment time. The lengthening index (LI), defined as the number of months in a frame necessary to achieve 1 cm lengthening, is the main indicator of bone healing potential. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis by analysing the lengthening index (LI) in relation to: age, limb length discrepancy, aetiology, bone segment involved, axial correction and lengthening achieved. We studied 251 patients between the ages of 3 to 50 years (mean 15.3) treated with the Ilizarov method because of lower limb inequality. A total of 319 lengthening procedures were analyzed (tibia--155, femur--164). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total treatment time (time in a frame) and magnitude of lengthening were recorded in all patients to calculate LI (months per 1cm of lengthening). Patients were divided into several groups according to these factors. RESULTS: Mean LI in the entire sample was 1.6 months/cm (from 0.7 to 5.9). The lowest LI (1.4) was recorded in the youngest patients (from 3 to 9 years) and increased with age, amounting to 1.6 in the 10-17 years' age group, 1.7 in the 18-21 years' age group and 2.4 in the 22-50 years' age group. The mean LI for femoral lengthening was lower (1.5) than for the tibias (1.8). In a group of 63 cases of lengthening up to 4 cm, LI was 2.3; in another group (from 4 to 7 cm - 189 procedures) LI was lower (1.6), and in the last group (more than 7 cm) it was 1.2. There was no significant difference in mean LI between the groups with and without axial correction. However, differences between aetiology groups were statistically significant, with a mean LI of 1.2 in achondroplasia patients, 1.4 in post-septic patients and patients with and Ollier disease, 1.6 in patients with congenital deformities, 1.8 in post-traumatic patients and 2.0 in neurogenic and clubfoot patients. CONCLUSION: According to the lengthening index analysis, the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis is related to age, aetiology, bone segment involved and the magnitude of lengthening, while it is not related to axial correction.

[Humeral lengthening with a monolateral external fixator in achondroplasia]. / Wydluzenie kosci ramiennej z zastosowaniem dystraktorów monolateralnych u chorych z achondroplazja.

INTRODUCTION: In achondroplasia patients the shortening of upper limb (mainly the arms) is an important part of pathology in addition to low stature. Not all patients who are treated for increasing their height decided to have humeral lengthening and the indication for treatment is not only for cosmetic, psychological aspects but also limitation of upper limb function like self-services and personal hygiene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5 patients were evaluated (4 girls and 1 boy) at age of 14 to 18 years (mean 15.7) in whom 10 humeral lengthening were do-ne using monolateral external fixator "Pumed". All patients have lower limb lengthening with the Ilizarov method 4-5 years before humeral lengthening. Observation time was 6 to 34 months (mean 20). In all cases the Pumed external fixator was fixed to humerus by 4 Schanz screws, open humeral distraction osteotomy was done below the insertion of deltoid muscle. In one case 15 degrees anteflexion correction was done intraoperatively. Distraction began at 5-6th day postoperatively with rate of 1 mm/day. Because of hypertrophic bone regenerate the distraction rate was often increased up to 1.5 mm/day. RESULTS: 8 to 9 cm lengthening was achieved (mean 8.5) which represents more than 50% of the primary segmental length. The average time of fixator application was 7 months and the lengthening index ranged from 0.8 to 1.1 months/cm (average 0.85). No shoulder and elbow joint range of motion deterioration was observed. At the follow-up transient radial nerve palsy was observed in one case after acute limb axis correction. CONCLUSIONS: Humerus lengthening, in achondroplasia patients with the use of monolateral external fixator is an effective and reliable method of treatment, with relatively low lengthening index. Monolateral External Fixator are well tolerated by patients.

[Surgical treatment of short stature of different etiology by the Ilizarov method]. / Chirurgiczne leczenie niedoboru wzrostu o róznej etiologii metoda Ilizarowa.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the results of surgical short stature treatment with distraction osteogenesis using Ilizarov apparatus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1996 sixteen patients were treated surgically because of short stature (11 male and 5 female) at the age of 9 to 29 years (mean 15.2). The cause of short stature in 6 patients was achondroplasia, 2 - Ellis van Creveld, 2 - Ollier disease, 1 - spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, 1 - hypothyroidism, 1 - pseudoachondroplasia and constitutional short stature - in other 3 patients. The pre-operative height ranged between 103 cm to 155 cm (mean 125). 12 patients were treated by the crossing method, means in one stage lengthening of the femur and the tibia of the contralateral limb. In 4 cases lengthening and improvement of body proportion was achieved by lower leg lengthening only (one of them lengthened twice). In 9 cases treated with the crossing method complete procedure was finished, in other 3 - only the first stage. Results In all patients the planed segmental lengthening was achieved except one tibial segment in the most older patient. Achieved height increase ranged from 8 to 20 cm (mean 13.8), on femur level 6 to 10 cm (mean 8.3) while on tibia level 2 to 10.5 cm (mean 7.3). The lengthening index for the single segment ranged from 0.6 to 4.7 months/cm (mean 1.5). COMPLICATIONS: Severe limitation of knee joint range of motion (up to 50 degrees) needs quadriceps plasty in one case. Residual valgus deformity of the tibia in one case with Ellis van Creveld needs corrective osteotomy. Abnormal bony re-generate of the tibia in the oldest patient did not allows achieving the planed lengthening and leads to increasing the lengthening index up to 3 times. CONCLUSION: Increasing the height with Ilizarov method is effective however the treatment time is long, requiring strict patients cooperation. The risk of complications should makes the qualification to this treatment careful and precise.

[Repair of the knee extension apparatus in the treatment of "extension contracture" after femoral lengthening]. / Przykurcz wyprostny stawu kolanowego jako powiklanie wydluzania uda-- analiza przyczyn i ocena wyników leczenia operacyjna plastyka aparatu wyprostnego kolana.

UNLABELLED: Restriction of the knee flexion is one of the most frequent complications during femoral lengthening with Ilizarov method. In most severe cases the knee flexion reaches less than 90 degrees, which leads to impairment of patient's activity ("extension knee contracture") and represents difficult clinical problem to manage. MATERIAL: We reviewed 4 patients at the age of 14 to 22 years (mean 19), treated surgically because of severe knee flexion limitation as a complication of femoral lengthening with the Ilizarov method. The mean age at femoral lengthening was 17 years (12 to 20). The indication for lengthening was femoral shortening from 5 to 12 cm (mean 7.5) because of myelodysplasia with club foot deformity (1 case), fibular hemimelia (1 case), sequelae of septic arthritis (1 case) and Ollier disease (1 case). Lengthening with Italian modification of Ilizarov device was used in all cases. In two patients with knee instability the apparatus was extended to stabilize the knee joint (in one case tibial and femoral lengthening was made simultaneously). Femoral lengthening of 5 to 12 cm (mean 7.5) was achieved. Knee flexion before lengthening varied from 90 degrees to 150 degrees (mean 135 degrees) and after femoral lengthening decreased to 41 degrees (20 to 75 degrees). METHOD: Plasty of knee extension apparatus was done 16 months after removal of the Ilizarov device. The procedure includes extensive release of subcutaneous and fascial adhesions around the knee joint (4 patient), patellar retinaculum and ilio-tibial tract release (4 patient), lengthening of vastus lateralis muscle (4 patients), vastus medialis (2 patients) and vastus intermedius (1 patient), mobilization of patello-femoral joint (3 patients), fractional, intramuscular lengthening of rectus femoris 15 cm above the knee joint (2 patients). Intraoperatively 90 degrees flexion was achieved (80 degrees to 100 degrees). In after treatment plaster cast with knee flexion 45 degrees was used. After 4-5 days passive exercises were started using K2 apparatus (continuous passive knee motion) and posterior slabs: one with knee extension for walking and second with knee flexion at the night were used. Active exercises began at the 10th day after surgery. RESULTS: At follow up 10 to 47 months (mean 36) after surgery 105 degrees to 120 degrees of knee flexion (mean 114 degrees) was achieved with full passive and active knee extension at good muscle power. All joints were evaluated as stable in sagittal and coronal planes (including 2 joints with mild instability in coronal plane before surgery). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Femoral lengthening procedure should be realized with proper attention to prophylaxis of knee extension contracture. 2. Knee extension apparatus plasty is effective and save procedure for treatment of so called "extension knee contracture" as a complication of femoral lengthening.

[Short stature treatment by lower limb lengthening--multicenter study from five centers]. / Leczenie niskiego wzrostu metoda Ilizarowa--zbiorcza analiza wyników z pieciu osrodków w Polsce.

MATERIAL: 26 patients (17 female, 9 male) from 5 centers were evaluated. The age at the beginning of treatment ranged from 6 to 29 years (mean 13.8). The cause of short stature in 19 patients was achondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia, in next 2--other bone dysplasias. The other 5 patients had not bone pathology and were treated because of cosmetic indications. Preoperative body height ranged from 90 to 149 cm (mean 120). Axial deviations of the lower extremities were noted in 11 patients. Mean follow-up was 3.7 years. METHOD OF TREATMENT: Most of patients were treated with Ilizarov device using cross lengthening strategy (2 stages--opposite femur and tibia lengthening). Mean duration of treatment including interval between two stages (mean 12 months) was 29 months. Planned increase of body height ranged from 10 to 26 cm (mean 16.4). RESULTS: Planned or greater lengthening (mean 14.8 cm) was achieved in 14 patients. Partial planned lengthening (mean 65% of planned lengthening) was achieved in 8 patients (mean 11.8 cm) including two patients who resigned the second stage of treatment. In two patients lengthening was stopped during first month of treatment because of great complications. In 2 patients treatment was not completed (interval between first and second stage). Mean increase of body height of patients with complete treatment was 13.1 cm (from 2 to 28). Problems, obstacles and complications were analyzed according to Paley classification. PROBLEMS: There were 24 problems in 15 patient (inflammation process around K wires--15 patients, bone healing disturbances--3, regenerate fracture--2, transient foot equinus--2 and axial deviation of the lower extremity--1). OBSTACLES: There were 31 obstacles in 19 patients (regenerate's defect--7 patients, premature bone consolidation--6, foot equinus--4 and other--14). COMPLICATIONS: There were 26 complications in 18 patients (axial deviation of the lengthened segment--8, foot equinus--6, paresis of the peroneal nerve--3, fractures--2 and other--5). The most serious complication was hemiparesis after cerebral embolism (1 patient) and damaging of the femoral artery (1 patient) both disrupting bone lengthening. CONCLUSION: The risk of complication in surgical treatment of short stature patients is high. Qualification for short stature treatment because of cosmetic indication should be made very careful and after precise psychological and/or psychiatric investigation.