Treatment of post-replantation retardation of bone growth by callus distraction. A report of two cases.

ABSTRACT

Hand and forearm replantation in children may lead to premature closure of the distal radial or ulnar growth-plates. Following successful replantation, bone growth may be retarded, resulting in a length discrepancy between the radius and ulna with secondary deviation of the replanted hand. We present two cases in which callus distraction was employed to correct a length discrepancy. The relative merits of the various treatment options are discussed.