STAGED LENGTHENING IN THE PREVENTION OF DWARFISM IN ACHONDROPLASTIC CHILDREN - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

We present our experience, since 1983, in lower-limb lengthening for t he treatment of achondroplasic dwarfism. We stress the importance of o ur method, staged lengthening, which includes two separate operations on the tibia, at the ages of 5 and 10, and two on the femurs, at the a ges of 6 and 12. This method allows an overall increase in height vary ing from 30 to 35 cm and has the advantage of minimizing complications , since children tolerate the lengthening-related problems far better. In 9 years 28 children have undergone limb lengthening, and six of th ese patients have now completed the first three stages, obtaining a to tal increase in length from 18 to 23 cm. We discuss the staged lengthe ning program, pointing out advantages and disadvantages of the method.