Limb length after fracture of the femoral shaft in children.

Fifty children, aged < or = 10 years, with isolated fractures of the femoral shaft had scanograms performed at fracture union and a mean 3.9 years later (SD, 1.6 years). Overgrowth was a mean 6.9 mm (95% confidence limits, 5.2-8.6 mm). Age was an influential variable, overgrowth being less in children < 4 and those > 7 years. At fracture reduction, much less shortening should be accepted than is commonly recommended.