Lengthening and Correction of Foot Ankle with Lengthening-and-then-Nailing (LATN)

The LATN (lengthening-and-then-nailing) is a surgical technique that integrates both external and internal fixation. This technique avoids prolonged time in a frame and its associated negative consequences (pin site infection, decreased range of motion in the surrounding joints, negative psychological impact on the patient, and risk of re-fracture following frame removal due to a lack of any internal fixation). It is our opinion that a concomitant ankle fusion and tibial lengthening procedure remains a good contemporary indication for the LATN technique.