Growth plate fractures and bone infections in children can cause stunting of growth that results in discrepancy. Limb lengthening procedures address all of these issues. We have been able to successfully correct large deformities and equalize limbs with discrepancies of several inches. A segment of bone can be missing after a bone tumor, bone infection or severe fracture. We can transport new bone to fill in this defect.
Short stature can be very disabling in patients with dwarfism, for example.
We can lengthen both legs simultaneously to increase stature. We have been able to lengthen achondroplastic dwarf patients 12 inches in the legs and five inches in the arms. This allows them to function more independently and be able to reach the telephone, toilet and gas pedal, for example. Young adult patients with leg deformities are at risk for developing arthritis as a result of their malalignment. These same techniques can be used to correct severe deformities safely and avert the need for joint replacement.