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Pediatric Lower Limb Deformities pp 131–149Cite as

Motorized Intramedullary Lengthening, an Emerging Technology for Limb Length and Deformity Correction

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Abstract

A new generation of remote controlled internal limb lengthening nails is now available. This chapter reviews the history, techniques, and early outcomes of motorized limb lengthening nails. Recommendations are made for patient selection, preoperative planning, postoperative care, and avoidance of complications. These devices allow an accurate and well-controlled rate and rhythm of distraction for limb lengthening. Early clinical reports indicate improved outcomes and less patient pain compared with lengthening using external fixation. Proper preoperative planning is an essential part of the methodology. Acute intraoperative correction is often required with fixator-assisted nailing techniques since later adjustment during or after lengthening is not possible without additional surgery. Antegrade and retrograde femoral and tibial techniques are discussed, including indications, preoperative planning, surgical sequence, pearls, pitfalls, and complications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gillete Children’s Specialty Healthcare, University of Minnesota, 200 University Ave. E., St. Paul, MN, 55101, USA

    Mark T. Dahl MD

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  1. Mark T. Dahl MD
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Correspondence to Mark T. Dahl MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor, Department of Orthopedics; Chief, Division of Pediatric Orthopedics, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA

    Sanjeev Sabharwal

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Dahl, M.T. (2016). Motorized Intramedullary Lengthening, an Emerging Technology for Limb Length and Deformity Correction. In: Sabharwal, S. (eds) Pediatric Lower Limb Deformities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17097-8_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17097-8_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-17096-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-17097-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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