Extensive Limb Lengthening for Achondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia

Extensive limb lengthening (ELL) was completed in 75 patients: 66 achondroplasia and 9 hypochondroplasia. The average 27 cm for (12–40 cm) 17 hypochondroplasia (range 10–25 cm). There were 48 females males. Lengthening done either by 2-segment (14 patients; both tibias and/or femurs) or 4-segment lengthenings (64 femurs at the same time). Most patients also had bilateral humeral lengthening. Patients 2 3 lower one Lengthenings juvenile-onset (31), adolescent-onset (38) adult-onset (6). age final follow-up 26 years old 17–43 years). few permanent sequelae of complications. most serious paraparesis. All returned to activities normal living only made worse surgery (paraparesis). This is first study show that ELL can lead an increase height into range. Previous studies showed mean increases up 20 cm, while this consistently 30 15–40 15–30 adolescent-onset. results low skeletal maturity males females. a 16.8 12–22 long-term shows be safely even with large may offer advantages over While all but more recent cases performed using external fixation, implantable promises excellent alternative perhaps improvement.