Limb lengthening in dwarfism

Limb lengthening in dwarfism has become a standardised procedure with a goo d prognosis. In most cases external fixation is used. Gain of leg length up to 15 cm and more is possible in the lower leg and the femur and 8.5 cm in the humerus. Limb lengthening is useful in many cases of dwarfism due to s keletal dysplasia. There are a number of risks and possible complications i nvolved and the procedure also requires considerable time. We report the re sults of 48 patients with dwarfism operated on in the Orthopadische Kinderk linik Aschau (Orthopaedic Hospital for Children). It must not be recommended as a normal tool in handling the problems of dwa rfism, but it makes sense in some cases of dwarfism. We describe and discus s the prerequisites for the operative treatment.