Lengthening of the forearm by callus distraction

Ten patients aged 3 to 13 years (mean, 9 years and 7 months) underwent forearm lengthening by callotasis. The indications for lengthening were shortening and/or deformity of the forearm due to exostosis of the distal ulna in five cases, enchondroma of the distal ulna in one, growth disturbance after fracture of the distal radius in one, radial club hand in one, congenital amputation of the forearm in one and congenital dislocation of the radial head in one. Four had lengthening of the ulna, one of the radius and five of both the radius and the ulna. The average lengthening achieved was 30 mm. Complications encountered were pin track discharge in three cases, callus fracture in five, delayed consolidation of the callus in one and no callus formation in one. Review after 1 to 7 years follow-up (with a mean of 4 years and 9 months) showed satisfactory improvement in appearance and function especially in patients who had tumorous conditions or traumatic epiphyseal arrest.