Distraction epiphysiolysis as a method of limb lengthening. III. Clinical applications.

In 16 patients still in growth stage who were suffering from a shortened limb from 5 to 12 cm attributable to a varied etiology, the tibia was lengthened by distraction, hence, achieving separation of the epiphysis (distraction epiphysiolysis). Lengthening of the tibia from 5 to 10 cm was attained with remarkably minor and infrequent complications. The fact that distraction epiphysiolysis is a blood less procedure, that it allows the formation of a bone segment which is qualitatively and quantitatively suitable to its functional needs, and that all of this is achieved in a reasonably short period, justifies the conclusion that this method is a valuable addition to the accepted techniques for limb lengthening.