Tibial lengthening. Epiphyseal and callus distraction compared in 39 patients with 3-14 years follow-up.

We examined 32 patients with 39 lengthenings (mean 8 cm) of the lower leg 3-14 years postoperatively. 23 distraction epiphyseolyses and 16 corticotomies with callus distraction had been carried out using the llizarov system. Both procedures yielded the same healing indices and the number of problems and complications was the same in the two groups. After distraction epiphyseolysis, serious complications of the knee and greater deviations from the normal leg axis were commoner than after callus distraction, which we now prefer.