Value of ultrasonography and radiography for the study of bone regeneration in lengthening of the fourth ray in brachymetatarsia.

BACKGROUND

Distraction osteogenesis is frequently used for brachymetatarsia.

METHODS

Brachymetatarsia of the fourth ray was treated with the Ilizarov method in 10 females. Distraction rate was 1.00-0.75mm a day. Radiography and ultrasonography were used to study the regeneration course throughout the distraction and fixation phases.

RESULTS

Mean lengthening achieved was 2.28cm in the average distraction period of 30.2 days and average fixation phase of 50.2 days. Ultrasonography detected the regeneration signs and zonal structure of the regenerate earlier than radiography. It confirmed slow regeneration in two patients and their distraction rate was corrected. One patient had premature consolidation on distraction day 10 and needed re-osteotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of radiography and ultrasonography to study bone regeneration in brachymetatarsisa provides a better monitoring of distraction callus progression. Ultrasonography is of great value to detect regeneration problems during early stages of lengthening.