Purpose: We performed radius lengthening to treat radial deviation of the wrist in patients with Bayne and Klug type II and type III radial longitudinal deficiencies. The purpose of this investigation was to review our results of radius lengthening for radial longitudinal deficiency.
Methods: Beginning in 1991 radius lengthening was performed to treat 4 patients with radial longitudinal deficiency whose mean age at the initial lengthening was 16 months. The corrections for radial deviation of the wrists were performed simultaneously by soft-tissue distraction of the wrist. According to Bayne and Klug's classification 2 patients had type II and 2 patients had type III deficiencies. All but 1 patient had lengthening several times to correct the recurring discrepancy between the radius and the ulna.
Results: The corrections were achieved just after the lengthening but deformities recurred because of growth discrepancies between the radius and the ulna as the children grew. The radius was lengthened by a mean of 28 mm, with a mean length gain of 79%. The mean period in the fixator was 136 days. Two patients had both functionally and cosmetically acceptable correction after several lengthening procedures. In the other patient we abandoned this treatment method because of severe bone absorption at the distal end of the lengthened radius. One patient died of cardiac disease after one lengthening.
Conclusions: Radius lengthening for Bayne and Klug type II and type III deficiencies may be accomplished successfully with the primary benefit of maintaining wrist and forearm motion. It is likely that at least 3 lengthenings may be required and this may need to be accompanied by a soft-tissue distraction at the ulnar carpal joint as well.
Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV.