Refracture, Soft Tissue Contracture, and Angular Deformity After Femoral Lengthening in Achondroplasia

Extensive limb lengthening may be indicated in patients with achondroplasia in order to improve their quality of life. However, excessive lengthening is associated with decreased ROM of the adjacent joints, decreased new bone formation, delayed weight bearing, and fractures of the regenerate bones. Many surgeons have recommended that the goal of lengthening in a bone segment should be limited to 20~30% of its initial length. And fractures of the regenerate bones may be avoided by careful analysis of the regenerate bone in the distraction gap before removal of the apparatus.