Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction

Limb lengthening and deformity correction are gradual techniques that can help correct the results of irregular bone growth that occurred in childhood, or help repair the damage from an accident, bone loss or a nonunion (a fracture that has not healed properly). The bone is corrected in these procedures by osteotomy followed by slowly lengthening or correcting the limb. It is very important that this type of specialized surgery is carried out and supervised by an experienced limb reconstruction team, which often includes an orthopedic, a plastic and a neuro-vascular surgeon.

The external fixator is used to place the bone in the correct position and alignment until bone healing occurs and deformity correction is achieved. This typically takes approximately six weeks for a simple fracture and up to one year or longer for a more complicated procedure. A limb reconstruction surgeon may ask a patient to turn one or more pieces to gradually lengthen the bone. When lengthening is complete, the fixation must stay on until the bone has healed.