Radiographic features of bone lengthening procedures.

Abstract

The successful treatment of leg length discrepancy depends not only on an accurate assessment of the pattern of growth of the femur and tibia but also on thorough understanding of the various treatment methods. The radiographic features of 43 leg lengthening surgeries were studied retrospectively, and their significance in the treatment of children with leg length discrepancies was evaluated. The morbidities seen in our study include leg deformities resulting from misalignment of bone segments and excessive stretching of soft tissues, and fractures, nonunions, and delayed unions at the lengthened sites, leading to prolonged application of traction devices. The overall frequency of morbidity was 148.8%. In the orthopedic literature, morbidity rates vary with the underlying reasons for leg length discrepancy, the type of bone lengthening procedure, and the type of complications included. Timely detection of radiographic abnormalities in the lengthened leg can contribute significantly to the successful treatment of leg length discrepancy.