Indications for Fassier-Duval telescopic rod use in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a systematic review
Abstract
Introduction: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder characterized by bone fragility and progressive deformities of long bones. The Fassier-Duval (FD) telescopic rod is a widely used surgical option in pediatric patients; however, its indications remain heterogeneous.
Objective: To analyze the available evidence regarding clinical, radiological, and functional indications for the use of the Fassier-Duval rod in children with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and TIMBÓ for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Pediatric clinical studies using FD rods were included. No formal risk of bias assessment was performed.
Results: Seventeen studies were included, comprising 506 patients. The main reported indication was progressive deformity of long bones, with or without recurrent fractures. Complications were predominantly mechanical, including implant migration, telescoping failure, and progressive deformity. Most studies corresponded to level IV evidence.
Conclusions: There is significant heterogeneity in the indications for Fassier-Duval rods, reflecting the lack of standardized criteria. Future prospective studies and clinical consensus statements may contribute to optimizing patient selection and functional outcomes.
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