Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head After Closed Intramedullary Shortening in an Adolescent

Closed intramedullary shortening has become a popular treatment method for limb-length inequality in adolescents. An important, potentially devastating complication of closed intramedullary fixation only recently described is avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We believe alternative treatment options must be considered to avoid this irreversible and catastrophic complication. A larger series may define the inherent risks of this complication and help determine the ideal treatment for femoral shortening and stabilization in the adolescent.