Abstract

CABRERA VILTRES, Nelson et al. Progressive lengthening of the forearm in children with RALCA® external minifixators. Rev Cubana Ortop Traumatol [online]. 2008, vol.22, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3100.

A quasi-experimental interventional study was undertaken among 8 patients carriers of shortening of the forearm operated on at "Frank País" International Orthopedic Complex between January 2002 and February 2004. Progressive lengthening of the forearm with RALCA® external minifixators was performed. 5 patients presented bilateral affections and the congenital club hand proved to be the most common pathology with 5 cases, 4 of them bilateral. In 11 of the 13 forearms operated on, it was necessary to carry out osteotomy to correct the angular deformities and in all of them it was used an intramedullary guide wire. The centralization of the wrist was the most used associated technique. An average elongation of 3.2 cm was attained. A significant improvement of the flexo-extension movements of the elbow and wrist was observed. The most frequent complication was paresthesia during the time the bone elongation lasted. In 100 % of the cases, both relatives and patients expressed their satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional results.

Keywords : Forearm shortening; congenital radial-club hand; external minifixators; bone elongation.