[Progressive femoral lengthening in children. Apropos of 36 cases]

The authors have analysed the result of femoral lengthening in 36 cases, 24 of them congenital. The technique, which is fully described, was that of progressive lengthening using external distraction either by the Judet or Wagner method. The average lengthening obtained was 18,3 p. 100 of the initial length of the femur--that is 5.2 centimetres on average. The bony and articular complications are described. The authors believe that, thanks to modifications of their technique, one femur should normally be able to be lengthened by 20 to 25 p. 100 in 30 days and should be solid in six months.