• S Mastragostino, S Boero, M Carbone, and G Marrè Brunenghi.
• II Divisione di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Istituto Scientifico Giannina Gaslini, Gènes, Italie.
• Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot. 1994 Jan 1;80(7):634-41.

Purpose Of The StudyThe authors report their experience in limb lengthening in 55 patients with short stature.Materials And MethodsSurgical treatment must begin at the age of 13-15 years to obtain better collaboration from the patient which is necessary to obtain a good result. The general indication for surgery includes short stature between 110 and 150 cm. The major indication is disproportionate short stature. The authors have operated on some cases of short stature in which there was a disproportion between thighs and legs and other short stature without disproportion. In these patients they have tried to obtain the greatest lengthening compatible with good appearance.ResultsExamining the complications, the authors have noted that the rate of bone infections is clearly decreased, whereas non union, a frequent complication of the original Wagner method, has completely disappeared. The use of a circular device has not caused an increase of neurological complications, which on the contrary have diminished.DiscussionSurgical lengthening of the lower limbs in disproportionate dwarfism can lead to cosmetic, functional and psychological benefits. The treatment is long and demanding, for the surgeon and especially for the patient. For this reason it is necessary to carefully evaluate the motivations of the patient, who must be well aware of the achievable results as well as of the possible complications.ConclusionSuch a treatment must be undertaken in specialized centers, not only owing to surgical difficulties, but especially because it requires a continuous clinical check and a strong post-operative physiotherapy.

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