Distraction lengthening of the forearm for congenital and developmental problems

Thirty-five callus distractions of the forearm were carried out in 23 patie nts, who were divided into two groups according to the cause of the shorten ing. Eleven cases in group A had congenital dysplasia, and the 12 cases in group B had growth disturbances from tumours or infection. The mean amount of lengthening was 27 mm in group A and 25 mm in group B, The mean percenta ge increase in length was 35% and 17%, respectively. The mean duration of f ixation was 159 days and 127 days, respectively. The Healing Index had a po sitive correlation with the age at surgery in group A, but not in group B, The main complication was callus deformity after the removal of a fixator, which was especially frequent in group A, To avoid complications, the aetio logy of shortening and the age of the patient should be considered when dec iding the surgical protocol.