Limb lengthening by the Vilarrubias method: the Sheffield Children's Hospital experience

The Vilarrubias method of limb lengthening is a percutaneous procedure with soft tissue releases. This reduces soft tissue tension and prevents joint contractures during longer lengthenings. This method has been used for 99 lower limb lengthenings. The mean length gained was 92 mm and the mean Bone Healing Index was 41.3 days/cm. There were 45 pin site problems, 33 flexion contractures, 33 angular deformities and 15 stress fractures. This complication rate compares well with other techniques. We recommend that the Vilarrubias method can be considered for lengthenings, where the aim is greater than 15% of the bone length with potential soft tissue problems.