[Personal experience with lower extremity lengthening]

The authors submit results of surgical treatment of unequal extremities in 10 patients. In nine cases by gradual distraction the affected lower extremity was extended, in one female patient the upper extremity. Ilizarov-type fixation devices proved useful. The maximum attainable increment is 8-9 cm, in the described group a prolongation by 2-8.5 cm was achieved, the mean period of distraction being three months. Up to 4 cm the distraction was made at a rate of 1 mm per day. When extending the leg by more than 4 cm, also the Achilles tendon must be extended and a tibiofibular syndesmosis by means of a screw must be made. Indications for surgical prolongation of the extremities must be carefully contemplated.