Development of limb lengthening mechanisms used in orthopedic surgery

Shortness of an extremity due to different causes is an issue that may adversely affect human life functional and psychologically. There are many methods used in orthopedic surgery for such patients in order to have a functional and aesthetic limb. Until recently, intramedullary nails could not be used alone and limb lengthening was being performed with the help of an external fixator. However, due to the presence of various complications in the use of external fixators, alot of studies have been performed on the development of intramedullary nail which can provide extension without the need of external fixators. In this study, in the light of previous studies, it is aimed to develop a new expandable intramedullary system, providing lengthening in order to remove previous problems and complications and to annihilate leg length discrepancies at present and future without second surgical intervention as far as possibble by lenghtening the intramedullary nail. To this end, a new electromechanically active intramedullary nail has been designed and generated. The intramedullary nail system was designed to perform extremity lengthening both mechanically and electronically according to the requirement. The function status can be changed at any time depending on the clinical conditions. This also provides an advantage that if any one (mechanic or electronic) fails, the lengthening process can continue with the other. Consequently, it is evident that the system we developed have advantages in respect of the present leg lengthening systems, like operation princible, easiness of application, controlled lengthening, patient mobility and shortness of treatment duration. The success of the system at practice will be examined with in-vivo animal experiments and according to the results, it will be ready for use on human by performing necessary restorations.