[Bilateral simultaneous limb lengthening of patients with short stature using the Ilizarov method]

Limb lengthening of patients with short stature is a complex orthopaedic problem. In these cases treatment is a long-term, multistage procedure. This paper presents the results of lower limb lengthening using the Ilizarov technique. The material consists of 5 cases, in which 10 stages of bilateral simultaneous lengthening of the femur and opposite tibia were performed. Follow-up was on average 3.1 years. Problems, obstacles and complications were typical for limb lengthening procedures and did not differ from the results presented by other authors. Success of treatment depends on the patient's full co-operation, adequate motivation and knowledge of the principles of therapy.