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Trauma
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Limb Lengthening Principles

Limb Lengthening

A 25-year-old male is scheduled for tibial lengthening using an intramedullary magnetic nail (PRECICE) for a 4cm leg length discrepancy following a childhood femoral fracture malunion. The osteotomy has been performed and the patient asks about the lengthening protocol. Regarding the principles of distraction osteogenesis:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The latency period (5-10 days post-osteotomy before commencing distraction) allows initial callus fo...

B

The optimal distraction rate is 1mm/day divided into 4 increments (0.25mm Ɨ 4) to maintain the fibro...

C

The PRECICE nail is activated by a handheld magnet and can achieve both lengthening and shortening; ...

D

The consolidation index (days per cm of lengthening) is typically 30-40 days/cm for tibia and 25-35 ...

E

Ilizarov described the "Law of Tension-Stress" where gradual traction creates metabolically active t...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option