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Complications

Authoring team

The rate of minor complications in limb lengthening surgery is very high. Almost every patient will some problem, most commonly pin track infection.

General complications may include:

  • infection around the pins or screws:
    • the most common complication
    • good pin hygiene and removal of affected pins and a short course of antibiotics are usually required

  • neurovascular problems related to pin insertion are rare

  • failure to achieve sufficient regeneration or consolidation may be due to underlying bone pathology or to an inappropriate distraction rate

  • angular deformity - usually varus deformity in the femur and valgus deformity of the tibia - may result from non- axial stressing

  • joint contracture from muscle imbalance during lengthening - such as an equinus deformity at the ankle

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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