Open AccessBiopsy Proven Focal Osteolysis in a Stainless-Steel Limb-Lengthening Device: A Report of Three Cases
Author(s) -
Oliver C. Sax,
Diana Weedman Molavi,
John E. Herzenberg,
Shawn C. Standard,
Philip K. McClure
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of orthopaedic surgeons. global research and reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.358
H-Index - 2
ISSN - 2474-7661
DOI - 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00101
Subject(s) - osteolysis , medicine , surgery , radiology
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.