Femur Lengthening Using the Wagner Technique

Abstract
Seventeen [human] femoral lengthenings with an observation period of 1 yr or more are reviewed. The mean leg length discrepancy was 6.9 cm, ranging from 3.8-14.8 cm. Mean lengthening was 5.8 cm, ranging from 3.6-10 cm. Osteosynthesis and bone grafting was done in all cases. Nonunion occurred in 1 lengthening and 5 bones refractured. All failures healed after reosteosynthesis. Transient peroneal paresis occurred in 2 cases, while in 1 case knee flexion was reduced to 55.degree.. Despite minor pin-track drainage, no infections complicated the osteosynthesis. The Wagner procedure is an effective and fairly safe method for leg lengthening. Complications are frequent and great caution is essential.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: