[The canons of morphotypes in adults. Anatomic atlas and database]

Orthopedic surgery for subjects of small stature, (between 130 cm and 160 cm), after the end of the normal growth cycle, requires a definition of the individual's morphotype, according to the standard canons. There exists a "classic canon", from Mediterranean culture, which divides the human body, from the waist, into two unequal parts (in the longitudinal dimension), which can vary from excessive shortness to excessive height. These proportions are strongly hereditary. In the transversal sense, there exists also measurements which can widely vary. These, are also strongly hereditary. Thus, defining five measurements: Stature. Height from the waist to the ground. Height from the waist to the top-head. Width of the shoulders. Width of the pelvis. From these five measurements, in the longitudinal and transversal dimensions, we obtain the well defined outlines of the subject's morphotype as well as, all other variations of this morphotype. Because there are separate variations of the transversal and longitudinal canons. A canon is specific to a group or a population. There are an infinite number of canons on this earth. Before starting limb lengthening surgery, it's necessary to define the morphotype (canon) of the subject. The harmony or dysharmony of his body proportions. As well as determine, at which point of lengthening, will the patient realise a true benefit for this difficult surgery.