DISTRACTION LENGTHENING OF THE ULNA IN RADIAL CLUB HAND USING THE ILIZAROV TECHNIQUE

Six children with radial club hand had distraction lengthening of the ulna using the Ilizarov technique at the mean age of 10 years, The mea n lengthening achieved was 4.7 cm (46% of original ulna length), Compl ications included nocturnal pain, pin track infection and callus fract ure or delayed union. Distraction lengthening of the ulna can enhance the ability to perform normal activities of daily living, such as reac hing the perineum or driving a car, but complications are extremely co mmon. The high rate of callus fracture in this series reinforces the n eed for regular radiographic review during distraction and suggests th at after distraction it may take more than 4 weeks for satisfactory ca llus consolidation before removal of the fixator.