title: [Leg-lengthening for length inequality].
abstract: 32 patients (age range 1.5-22 years) were treated for leg-length discrepancy. 39 lengthening procedures were performed of which 36 involved gradual distraction, in 2 cases chondrodiasthesis was used, and 1 had 1-step elongation. Gradual distraction was done according to Ilizarov, including corticotomy and a 1-week delay before the initiation of distraction. In 33 cases Wagner's external fixator was used, in 2 Ilizarov frame and in 1 an orthofix fixator. There was complete clinical and radiologic union in all but 1 case. Significant correction of leg-length discrepancy and equalization of leg-length was achieved in most patients. In some growing patients over-correction was successfully achieved. The most prevalent complications were pin-site problems, axis deviation, joint subluxation and joint contractures. At latest follow-up most of these complications had disappeared. 91% of the patients either functioned normal or were only mildly limited.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Orthopedics Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Burgansky
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ganel
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Givon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001852:Bone Lengthening; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016267:External Fixators; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D007223:Infant; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome