Clinical Research Of Treating Humeral Shortening Deformity With Monolateral External Fixator

Objective: To study the clinical effects of the monolateral external fixator treating humeral shortening deformity,and provide clinical evidence for application of monolateral external fixator.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 9 patients(10 humeri) with various etiologies who underwent lengthening-with or without deformity correction using monolateral external fixator-between 2009 and 2015. Mean age at the time of the surgery was 20.7(14–28) years. 5patients(6 humeri)underwent osteotomy in upper 1/3 of humerus. 3 patientswith varus angular deformityof the proximal humerus underwent proximal humerus valgus osteotomy.2 patients had varus angular deformityof the distalhumerus, one of them underwent osteotomy to correct varus angular deformity of the distal humerus and the other remained. 2 patients replaced the external fixatior with internal fixation.Results:All patients were followed-up for 20.9(8~25) months after operation. The lengthening achieved was(8.05±2.06) cm and percentage lengthening(40.20±15.94)%. The healing index(HI) was(17.27±3.58) days/cm. The external fixator index(EFI) was(32.23±3.51) days/cm. The mean DASH(Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score was(16.30±13.88) pre-operatively and(5.18±6.20)(p<0.05= at final review. The minor complications were pin tract infection(3 segments), delayed consolidation(1 segment). All complications resolved.Conclusions: Humeral lengthening with a monolateral external fixator was an effective way of treating humeral shortening deformity.