A new device for intramedullary femoral osteotomy

Introduction Osteotomy is an important part of orthopaedic interventions and can result in an injury to the periosteum reducing regenerative capabilities of the bone. Material and methods A device for processing the femur was developed to allow osteotomy be produced from the medullary canal. An experimental study was conducted on femoral models in two comparison groups (20 models in each). Osteotomy of the femoral shaft was performed at a distance of 15 cm from the apex of the greater trochanter. Duration of bone intersection and magnitude of partial and complete defects of the simulated periosteum were evaluated. Results The average duration of osteotomy was 482.8 ± 15.4 s in the main group and 181.3 ± 16.1 s in the control group. The average overall length of injury to the simulated periosteum to the entire depth was 1.4 ± 3.0 mm in the main group being significantly less in the control measuring 13.6 ± 3.8 mm (Mann-Whitney U-test = 7.0, p = 0.00). The average total length of partial injury to the periosteum (1.4±2.6 mm) was significantly less in the main group than in controls (21.8 ± 5.8 mm, Mann-Whitney U-test = 0.0, p = 0.00). Discussion The surgical device offered, as opposed to existing devices, allowed bone intersection to be performed with high accuracy. The presence of endoscopic control of the osteotomy depth ensured preservation of the periosteum. The device could be used for several bone cuts using a single surgical approach. Conclusion The use of the device slightly increased duration of the osteotomy and facilitated minimally invasive intervention retaining periosteum at the osteotomy site and provided better conditions for bone regeneration.