[Limb lengthening in children and osteogenesis using the technics of Wagner and Ilizarov and their modifications]

Different methods of lower limb lengthening are reviewed, related to delays in strengthening and type of callus: Wagner's technique (5 cases), decortication 3 weeks before osteotomy (1 case), and Ilizarov's technique (10 cases on 8 tibiae and 6 femurs). In 5 cases, decortication with osteotomy-closure and waiting 2 weeks before beginning lengthening, was performed. This was carried out at 1 mm/day. The type of fixator is unimportant. This technique allows a restitution of the tubular bone structure in 3 or 4 months in a periosteo-cortico-medullary callus.