A MODIFIED WAGNER TECHNIQUE FOR FEMORAL LENGTHENING IN SKELETALLY MATURE PATIENTS WITH POLIOMYELITIS

A modified Wagner technique using an Orthofix was employed for femoral lengthening in 62 skeletally mature patients with residual poliomyeli tis. The first stage was similar to that of the original Wagner techni que. However, distraction was started after 5 to 7 days at a rate of 1 .5 mm per day. At the second stage, a neutralization plate was applied and a corticocancellous iliac strut graft inserted in the distracted site, preferably under compression. Cast immobilisation was not used a nd a long leg brace with a thigh corset allowed early knee movement an d weight bearing. The average age at operation was 26 years and 6 mont hs. The period of follow-up averaged 3 years and 2 months, and the ave rage amount of lengthening was 4.2 cm. The overall rate of complicatio n was 34%.