Objective: To explore the efficacy and experience of callus distraction technique with the external fixator for valgus deformity of the knee companied with leg shortening in young patients and to provide evidence for selecting reasonable therapy.
Methods: From January 2002 to January 2009, the clinical data of 28 young patients (17 males and 11 females, aged 8 to 14, mean age 11.9 years) treated with callus distraction, who had valgus deformity of the knee, companied with leg shortening, were analyzed retrospectively. Three had bilateral total valgus deformity of the knee, with a total of 31 knees. Before the operation, the abnormal limbs shortened from 3 to 7 cm (average 4.1 cm) companied with the normal one. The tibiofemoral angle ranged from 138° to 160° (mean angle 148°) and the Condyle interval from 5 to 33 cm (mean interval 15.2 cm).
Results: The 28 patients were followed up for 35 to 84 ( mean 62 ) months. The extent length ranged from 4.5 to 10.1 cm (average 6.8 cm). The tibiofemoral angle ranged from 169° to 175° (mean 173°) after the union. The patients resumed the normal length of limbs, and the severe valgus deformity of the knee was corrected.
Conclusion: Callus distraction with external fixator is effective for serious valgus deformity of the knee companied with leg shortening.