Biopsy Proven Focal Osteolysis in a Stainless-Steel Limb-Lengthening Device: A Report of Three Cases.

Sax, Oliver C; Molavi, Diana W; Herzenberg, John E; Standard, Shawn C; McClure, Philip K · J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev · 2021

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Three pediatric patients presented with histologically confirmed osteolysis after limb lengthening with a magnetic, telescoping, stainless-steel device. The first patient's findings were discovered radiographically before routine removal of the device. In all cases, intraoperative histologic specimens taken from around the modular junction demonstrated particle-laden macrophages with suspicion for metal debris. Silicone debris was also identified. We found definitive osteolysis secondary to metal at the modular junction of three stainless-steel lengthening implants. This process is not well-understood in the setting of limb lengthening and should be examined further.

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