Limb lengthening methods extend the length of bones (height) in disproportionately short limbs, either by the administration of growth stimulators or surgery (distraction osteogenesis). Active natural growth in humans ends in the majority of cases before 20 years of age and can, in some cases, leave disproportionately short limbs. Significant results are possible only by artificially lengthening lower extremity bone length with various construction devices.
Surgical methods may be grouped into three main categories:
– External methods;
– Internal (intraosseal) methods; and
– Combined (mixed) methods.
