Callotasis lengthening: a review of some technical aspects

Limb lengthening by gradual osteotomy distraction has been practiced since the beginning of the century. The results have not always been uniformly good because of the invasiveness and too sudden elongation applied. Using the callotasis technique, a low energy osteotomy is produced in a metaphyseal area. The periosteum is spared, and distraction, generally at a rate of 0.25 mm every six hours, is started 7 to 14 days after the osteotomy. Using the principle of tension-stress outlined by Ilizarov in the early 1950s, it is possible to produce consistent lengthening of a given bone segment. However, great attention to detail is necessary, as limb lengthening techniques show a steep learning curve, with a significant initial complication rate.