C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker of distraction osteogenesis disorders. Preliminary results

The aim of this study was to assess the information value of the content of C-reactive protein (CRP) for predicting disorders of distraction osteogenesis. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of the results of surgical lengthening of the bones of the lower extremities due to short stature was performed in 39 patients. There were two groups of patients. Thirteen patients (main group) had cystic cavities formed in the area of distraction regenerate by the end of the surgical lengthening. The formation of distraction regenerate ran without complications in 26 patients (comparison group). Results Before treatment, all patients in both groups had CRP levels not exceeding 6 mg/l. On the 10th day after the onset of distraction, 15 patients of the comparison group had the CRP level equal to 6 mg/l or higher than (57.7% of all patients in this group). In the main group, the CRP level was equal or higher than 6 mg/l only in 3 patients (23.1 % of all patients in the main group). The significance level of the differences was 0.041. Discussion A retrospective analysis of clinical data revealed that the CRP level at the beginning of the distraction stage in the range of up to 6 mg/l was associated with an increased likelihood of developing cystic cavities in the regenerate by the end of the lengthening stage. This test is acceptable for use in clinical practice. Conclusion Preservation of the level of CRP in the blood serum, not exceeding 6 mg /l within 10 days after the onset of distraction, is a prognostic sign indicating a high probability of disorders in the formation of distraction regenerate in the patients undergoing surgical lengthening of the lower limb bones with the Ilizarov method.