Circumferential periosteal sleeve resection: results in limb-length discrepancy secondary to poliomyelitis

We report the results of circumferential periosteal sleeve resection of lower-limb bones for mild degrees of limb-length discrepancy (mean, 3.5 cm) secondary to postpolio residual paralysis in 23 patients. Results were expressed by calculating percentage of length discrepancy of the operated-on limb with respect to the normal limb and gain in length in centimeters of the operated-on limb over the normal limb. All patients had a uniform trend of gain in length with response in the femur lasting for approximately 1 year, whereas that in the tibia persisted >2 years. Circumferential periosteal sleeve resection is a safe and reliable method of longitudinal bone-growth stimulation, providing consistent results, especially for mild to moderate discrepancies.