Leg lengthening/shortening

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W

Leg lengthening - series

Epiphysiodesis; Epiphyseal arrest; Correction of unequal bone length; Bone lengthening; Bone shortening; Femoral lengthening; Femoral shortening

Epiphysiodesis (bone growth restriction) is usually successful when performed at the correct time in the growth period, though it may cause an undesirable short stature.

Bone shortening may achieve more precise correction than epiphysiodesis, but requires much longer convalescence.

Bone lengthening is completely successful only 40% of the time and has a much higher rate of complications.

With bone growth restriction, hospitalization of up to a week is common. Sometimes a cast is placed on the leg for 3 - 4 weeks. Healing is complete in 8 - 12 weeks, at which time full activities can be resumed.

With bone shortening, 2 - 3 weeks of hospitalization with bedrest is usual. Sometimes a cast is placed on the leg for 3 - 4 weeks. Muscle weakness is common, and muscle-strengthening exercises are started soon after surgery. Crutches are used for 6 - 8 weeks. Some children require 6 - 12 months to regain normal knee control and function. The intramedullary (inside the bone) rod is removed at 1 year.

With bone lengthening, hospitalization lasts a week or longer. The time that the lengthening device is in use depends on the amount of lengthening to be achieved. Intensive physical therapy is required to maintain normal range of motion. Frequent visits to the doctor are necessary to adjust the lengthening device. Meticulous care of the pins holding the device is essential to prevent infection. Healing time of the bone is determined by the amount of lengthening. For each centimeter of lengthening, 36 days of healing is allotted.

Following removal of the device, activities are usually restricted for several weeks to allow for healing of the holes in the bone where the pins were. This minimizes the risk of breaking the bone through these holes until healing has occurred.

Review Date: 12/04/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.