First use experience with titanium telescopic rod in pediatric limb deformity correction in osteogenesis imperfecta

Objective Present and evaluate results from the first use of a Russian titanium telescopic rod in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Material and methods A study group included 7 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta types III and IV who underwent femoral and tibial deformity correction with a combined use of titanium telescopic rod and reduced Ilizarov frame. The follow-up period was 6-12 months. Results The desired correction was achieved and maintained in all the cases at 6 to 12 months. The mean length of external fixation was 30.2 ± 7.5 days. No complications related to external fixation were observed. Telescoping was present in all cases. No secondary bone displacement, telescopic rod migration were noted. Conclusion Titanium telescopic rod applied in combined technology of long bone deformity correction in children with severe osteogenesis imperfecta showed high reproducibility of the technique, the possibility of desired correction and no problems related to rod migration. Telescoping of the rod occurred in all cases with no episodes of blocking. The correction achieved persisted throughout the whole period of observation.