Tibial lengthening using a humeral intramedullary nail combined with a single-plane external fixator for leg discrepancy in sequelae of poliomyelitis.

The sequelae of poliomyelitis are the common causes of leg discrepancy. Tibial lengthening is an effective way to solve this problem but it is associated with a high rate of complications. In this study, we combined the use of humeral nail and external fixator in tibial lengthening with the purpose of reducing lengthening complications. Compared with the cases lengthened by a single-plane external fixator alone, this combined strategy was found to be beneficial in maintaining the tibial alignment. Therefore, it can be recommended as a good technique for tibial lengthening in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis.