Treatment of Post-Replantation Retardation of Bone Growth by Callus Distraction

Abstract

Hand and forearm replantation in children may lead to premature closure of the distal radial or ulnar growth-plates. Following successful replantation, bone growth may be retarded, resulting in a length discrepancy between the radius and ulna with secondary deviation of the replanted hand.

We present two cases in which callus distraction was employed to correct a length discrepancy. The relative merits of the various treatment options are discussed.