Langenskiöld Procedure for Treatment of Partial Growth Arrest of Distal Ulna After Septic Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Although cases of impaired long bone growth due to bone and joint infections in childhood are sometimes reported, few cases of growth impairment of the ulna due to septic osteomyelitis have been described. We report herein a case of ulnar partial physeal arrest treated using the Langenskiöld procedure. Materials and Methods: A boy developed septic osteomyelitis of the right distal ulna at age 2 years 6 months. Osteomyelitis subsided after antibiotic treatment and external immobilization. As a result of impaired growth of the ulna along the long axis, shortening and trumpet-shaped deformity of the metaphysis gradually appeared. Computed tomography revealed a bony bridge, and premature epiphyseal closure due to osteomyelitis was diagnosed. The Langenskiöld procedure was performed at 4 years 4 months old. Results: As of 2 years 9 months later, no further ulnar shortening has occurred and morphological remodeling has been confirmed. Conclusions: The treatments employed for ulnar shortening include ulnar lengthening by callotasis as well as stapling of the distal radial epiphyseal line or radial shortening osteotomy. In this case, the Langenskiöld procedure proved effective because the patient was still young with growth potential and the area of the bony bridge after osteomyelitis-induced epiphyseal line damage was <30%.