Femoral lengthening and deformity correction using the Fitbone motorized lengthening nail.

[achondroplasia]

This study reports our results with retrograde Fitbone insertion in patients with femoral shortening and deformity . We also present our experience regarding the benefits , complications , and factors associated with complications of the Fitbone technique .Twelve males and ten females had femoral shortening and deformities treated using the retrograde Fitbone technique between 2009 and 2012 . The etiologies were post-traumatic in 12 patients , poliomyelitis in four , cosmetic in two , congenital hypoplasia in two , achondroplasia in one , and Perthes sequela in one .The follow-up time was 30 .8 Â months . The mean lengthening was 5 .8 (range 2 -14 ) cm . The degree of acute angular correction was 9 Â° (5 -22 Â°) in nine cases . The time to full weight-bearing was 5 .9 Â months . The consolidation index was 1 .07 (0 .75 -1 .62 ) months /cm . Complete consolidation was obtained in all cases except two . Running back was observed in two cases .The Fitbone technique allows accurate deformity correction . The rigid reamers allow the surgeon to use the Fitbone even in patients with a narrow medullary canal . As this might result in poor bone regeneration , thinner lengthening nails should be considered .