Influence de l’âge sur la consolidation osseuse après un allongement des membres par une méthode intramédullaire

Abstract Background Distraction osteogenesis with an intramedullary motorized nail is a well-established method to treat leg length discrepancy (LLD). The complex process of bone consolidation is affected by age, location, co-morbidities, smoking and gender. The purpose of this case series was to investigate influencing factors in bone regeneration after intramedullary callus distraction. Hypothesis Advanced age influences the outcome of intramedullary limb lengthening. Patients and methods This retrospective analysis included 19 patients after intramedullary telescopic nailing (PRECICE) on the lower limb with a mean age of 43 years. Bone healing was assessed by distraction and healing parameters such as distraction-consolidation time (DCT), distraction index (DI), healing index (HI), lengthening index (LI), and consolidation index (CI). Results Confounding factors such as smoking, previous operations on the treated bone, but also the occurrence of complications, and the number of revision surgeries are independent of the patients’ age. Younger patients showed a shorter distraction distance, a lower DCT, a lower DI, a higher HI, and a higher CI than older patients. The complication rate requiring nail exchange was higher among the younger patients. Bony healing was observed in all age groups treated with a telescopic nail regardless of age. Conclusion Advanced age did not influence bone healing or complication rate in intramedullary lengthening. However, the conclusion is limited by the small patient number. Level of evidence IV; case control study.