UNCHANGED MUSCLE FUNCTION AFTER BILATERAL FEMORAL LENGTHENING - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF 9 PATIENTS WITH A 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

We performed pre- and 2-3.5-year postoperative isokinetic knee-testing to assess thigh muscle function in 9 patients undergoing bilateral fe moral lengthening by callotasis. The median femoral lengthening was 17 (12-18) percent. The angular testing velocities were 60 degrees/sec ( strength) and 180 degrees/ sec (endurance). Only small changes in musc le strength were found postoperatively. Except for peak torque at 60 d egrees/sec on the last-operated side (median 2 years follow-up), there were no differences between the pre- and postoperative isokinetic mea surements. There were 3 major complications, 2 fractures and 1 varus d eformity. 2 patients had problems with patellar pain. All patients ach ieved normal range of motion. They judged the final result as very goo d and underlined the psychological effect and the practical advantages of being taller.