Masaru Toda

Forearm Lengthening by Callotasis

We report 4 cases of deformity and shortning of the forearm with bone tumor treated by callotasis.Four patients (3 women and 1 man) ranging in age from 7 to 13 years (average age: 10 years) underwent lengthening of the forearm bone. The original disease was osteochondroma (3 cases) and enchondroma (1 case). Lengthened forearm bones involved both the radius and ulna in 1 case and the ulna in 3 cases. Mono-tube lengthener was used for all cases.The lengthening obtained in the forearm bones ranged from 15 to 39mm (average: 27.8mm). The distraction rate was 8.1 to 27.1% (average: 19.1%). The healing index was 31.8 to 82.0day/cm (average: 56.3day/cm).Distraction callus fracture was recognized in 1 case, with posterior interosseous nerve temporary palsy as a complication.

A Case of Posterior Interosseous Nerve Paralysis Caused by Nerve Torsion

A case of posterior interosseous nerve paralysis resulting from a constricting band is repored. A 35-year-old man complained of weakness in his left hand. Extension of the thumb and fingers was weak, and a so-called finger drop deformity was present. A constriction of the posterior interosseous nerve was found proximal to the supinator muscle. No other compressive force was noted along the course of the nerve. The constriction seemed to be caused by local torsioning of the nerve itself. When the forearm was pronated, the torsion became severe. The torsion point was released by gentle neurolysis around the constricting site. Four months later, full function returned to the left hand.