Femoral Lengthening Using Intramedullary Nail and the External Fixation

There are various methods to correct leg length discrepancy (LLD)، each with their own specific problems and complications. We would like to report the results of lengthening over an intramedullary nail. In a prospective study، twelve patients who had LLD from previous femoral fractures underwent lengthening with Wagner external fixator over intramedullary nail in a training hospital in Tehran-Iran. The intramedullary nails were locked with screws after the projected length was achieved and external fixator was removed. The outcome of treatment and the complications were evaluated in a 2-year follow-up. The average achieved lengthening was 4. 2 cm (3-6 cm). Eight patients developed pin track infection، one case had osteomyelitis. All the cases united، with no malunion of fracture. The increased duration of external fixation remaining on the limb was closely related to the occurrence of pin track infection (r=. 821، p=. 001). Femoral lengthening over a nail decreases the duration of external fixator usage، improves patient’s comfort and compliance and avoids axial deviation and fracture of regenerate bone.