Forearm lengthening

Eleven cases of forearm shortening underwent lengthening using Ilizarov principles. The aetiology was hereditary multiple exostosis in 6 cases, radial club hand in 2 cases, and trauma in 3 cases. Average age at operation was 15.5 years (range, 9–40 years). At an average follow-up of 3.5 years (range, 2–6 years), there were 8 good, 2 fair and one poor results. Achieved lengthening ranged from 2 cm (10% of the original bone length) to 11 cm (110%). The average healing index was 40 days/cm. There were no neurovascular problems. Complications included pin tract infections in all cases, fracture of the regenerated bone in one case, breakage of a half pin in one case and increased carpal subluxation in another case. Combination of Ilizarov method and hybrid fixation provides a relatively safe method of forearm lengthening with possibility of deformity correction and gradual reduction of chronic dislocations.