Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
06:36
Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
Published on: April 15, 2020
Upper and lower limb length equalization: diagnosis, limb lengthening and curtailment, epiphysiodesis
Gh Burnei1, C Vlad, St Gavriliu
1"Maria Sklodowska Curie" Emergency Hospital for Children, Bucharest, Romania. mscburnei@yahoo.com
Summary
Pediatric limb lengthening procedures, especially those exceeding 5 cm, require careful monitoring and specific techniques like double corticotomy and intramedullary fixation for optimal bone consolidation. Temporary epiphysiodesis is effective for limb length discrepancies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Limb Reconstruction Surgery
Background:
- Clinical experience from "M.S. Curie" Hospital, Bucharest, spanning 25 years (1986-2011).
- Over 250 cases of limb length discrepancy treated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present theoretical and image-based guidelines for pediatric limb lengthening.
- To illustrate the clinic's experience with various limb reconstruction techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized double leveled corticotomies and lengthening for post-traumatic shortenings.
- Implemented intramedullary TEN rods (from 2001) to reduce fixator time.
- Employed minimally invasive osteotomies and controlled epiphysiolysis for complex cases.
- Lengthening rates varied from 0.75 mm to 1 mm per day.
Main Results:
- Achieved limb lengthening between 3 and 17 cm per segment, with a maximum of 25 cm for an entire lower limb.
- Appropriate stabilization and postoperative weight-bearing ensured rapid healing.
- Complications were infrequent, mostly minor.
Conclusions:
- Limb lengthening up to 5 cm results in rapid consolidation and minimal complications.
- Lengthening exceeding 5 cm necessitates careful monitoring and psychological preparation.
- Temporary epiphysiodesis is a minimally invasive and effective method for limb length equalization.
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