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General Orthopaedics

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOOD KNEE MOTION DURING GRADUAL FEMORAL LENGTHENING. THE ALBIZZIA NAIL EXPERIENCE

British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) 2005



Abstract

To assess the effect on knee motion of gradual femoral lengthening using an intramedullary nail, between 1994 and 2003, 27 non-achondroplastic patients had bilateral femoral lengthening using the Albizzia nail. Vigorous post-operative physiotherapy was the norm. Knee motion recorded at various stages pre and post-operatively was compared.

For an average gain of 6 cm the mean flexion during lengthening was 119. By final follow-up all patients had regained pre-operative range of motion. No tenotomies or joint manipulations were required. Good knee motion can be maintained during femoral lengthening using an intramedullary lengthening device.