Femoral Lengthening (12 cm) with Two Precice Nail Lengthenings: Management of a Broken Precice Nail During the First Lengthening

Abstract

Treatment of limb length discrepancy is achieved with surgical limb lengthening using systems applied externally, internally, or their combination. The new-generation lengthening nails have clear advantages like less scar tissue formation, easier rehabilitation, and pain management than with the use of external fixation (Thaller et al., Injury 45:S60–S65, 2014). The new-generation Precice nail has both shortening and lengthening functions. Technical complications or implant breakage rarely occurs with this type of nail but can occur. This section presents a case of a 24-year-old female having 12 cm femoral shortening whose treatment required two Precice (Ellipse Technologies, Inc.) lengthening nails as the former one was broken. The strategy for dealing with a broken internal lengthening nail is described.