Lengthening and Deformity Correction of the Forearm by Callotasis

Baek, Goo Hyun; Chung, Moon Sang; Kim, Jin Ho; Jun, Deuk Soo; Park, Yong Bum

Abstract

Seven patients with average age of 15years and 6 months (range: 8 years and 11 months 25 years and 6 months) underwent forearm lengthening by callotasis. The indications for lengthening were shortening and/or deformity of the forearm due to exostosis of the distal ulna in three cases, growth disturbance due to physeal injury of the distal radius in three, congenital radial dislocation in one. Three had lengthening of the radius, three of the ulna and one of both the radius and the ulna. The average lengthening achieved was 3.8 cm (3.5 - 4.0) in radius, 2.7 cm (2.3 - 3.0) in ulna. Complications encountered were pin tract infection in two cases, nonunion in one and temporary nerve palsy in one. All of these complications were recovered completely without any residua. Retrospective review after average 41 months of follow-up (range: 36 to 78) showed satisfactory improvement in appearance and function. Callotasis was considered as one of the safe and reliable treatment methods for bone lengthening and deformity correction of the forearm.