title: Operative lengthening of the femur.
abstract: Femoral lengthening with the aid of the apparatus described in this article can be accomplished safely and predictably. However, it is not without considerations and problems which must be fully understood and appreciated. The healing process requires months to years; with a cooperative patient and a diligent attentive orthopedist, the equalization of leg lengths is more than justified.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors