Limb shortening osteotomy in a patient with achondroplasia and leg length difference after total hip arthroplasty.
BACKGROUND
Achondroplasia is the most common reason for disproportionate short stature. Normally, orthopedic limb lengthening procedures must be discussed in the course of this genetic disorder and have been successful in numerous achondroplastic patients in the past. In some cases, the disease may lead to leg length differences with need for surgical correction.


METHODS
We report a case of achondroplastic dysplastic coxarthrosis with symptomatic leg length difference after bilateral total hip arthroplasty in a 52-year-old female patient, in which a distal femoral shortening osteotomy was successfully performed.


CONCLUSIONS
Femoral shortening osteotomy is very uncommon in patients with achondroplasia. We conclude, however, that in rare cases it can be indicated and provide the advantage of shorter operation time, less perioperative complications and faster recovery compared to leg lengthening procedures.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Kantonsspital Bruderholz CH-4101 Bruderholz/BL, Switzerland.
Christian L
CL
Galata
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Kantonsspital Bruderholz CH-4101 Bruderholz/BL, Switzerland.
Bertram
B
Rieger
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Kantonsspital Bruderholz CH-4101 Bruderholz/BL, Switzerland.
Niklaus F
NF
Friederich
Achondroplasia; distal femur osteotomy; dysplastic coxarthrosis; limb shortening