Results of Femoral Elongation Treatment Using Electromagnetic Intramedullary Nail. Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND Surgical correction of lower limb discrepancy in children poses a significant clinical problem. The aim of this paper is to present our experience with the PRECICE electromagnetic intramedullary nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 5 patients (2 girls; 3 boys) aged 11.5 to 18 years (mean age 16.3) treated for lower limb discrepancy by femoral lengthening using the PRECICE nail intramedullary system. Average discrepancy was 63 mm (range: 45-74.5 mm). RESULTS Femoral lengthening was successful in all patients. The femur was lengthened by a mean of 49 mm (range: 40-58 mm). A knee flexion contracture of about 10° occurred in one patient. CONCLUSIONS 1. Femoral lengthening in children poses a therapeutic challenge. 2. The PRECICE intrame-dullary nail system helps reduce complications and increases patient comfort.