[Simplified technic for extemporaneous femoral lengthening in children]

Since 1981, twenty five "simplified" one stage femoral lengthening operation have been performed. This procedure using a transverse osteotomy and direct instrumental spreading seems to be, for the authors, as safe and easier than one stage femoral lengthening using a step osteotomy first described by Cauchoix in 1963. Patients were aged from 2.8 to 19. Mean operative gain was 34 mm. Duration of bony union with full weight bearing range between two and three months. One septic non union and two early breakage of the internal fixation have been observed.