03/07/2024
Complications of Cosmetic Limb Lengthening - Case #2 When Tibia Lengthening goes south
This is a gentleman who underwent bilateral tibia lengthening 6 months prior in another practice. It resulted in severe apex anterior deformity and leg length discrepancies which rendered him unable to walk.
Surgeons, residents: What are the different causes that led to the deformity in the first place ?
3 failed exchange nailings and 2 broken tibial tuberosities later, he reached out to us to attempt to solve the issue.
We chose to use the still-flexible regenerate and apply two computerized circular external fixators to correct the multi planar deformity.
and I were prepared to perform a new osteotomy if the regenerate didn’t move.
We were able to correct the deformity, allow immediate weight bearing, and let the regenerates heal. Upon removal of the right fixation, decision was made to reinforce the tibia with a nail.
Internal tibia lengthening surgery is extremely technically challenging and should not be taken lightly. The slightest technical mistake can lead to serious complications.
What caused the initial deformities and what could have been done to prevent them?