Preoperative planning in deformity correction and limb lengthening surgery.

A simple method of preoperative planning in deformity correction and limb lengthening surgery is described and illustrated with two cases of deformity associated with length discrepancy. Frontal and lateral radiographs allow defining a deformity in its actual plane. Tracings are made, axes are marked, and the deformity is analyzed graphically. A problem list is created on a worksheet. The osteotomies are made with scissors on the worksheet and the segments are angulated into position to test the correction. The method of fixation is selected and the patient seen preoperatively to address issues to be encountered during the correction.