title: Methods of limb elongation with congenital inequality in children.
abstract: During the period 1973-1978 elongation with a distraction-compression apparatus was performed on 78 children with congenital limb length inequality. The length of follow-up ranged from 2 to 6 years. Inequality in limb length measured 4 to 6.5 cm in 51 children, 6.5 to 8 cm in 24, and more than 8 cm in three. The final results in 72 children were judged satisfactory in that equal limb length was obtained. Equalization was accomplished with lengthening up to 6 cm in a one-stage procedure; lengthening greater than 6 cm was accomplished in two stages. During distraction two fractures and six pin tract infections occurred; four patients with joint stiffness adjacent to the segment under elongation required additional measures.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006615:Hip / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000151:congenital*; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery