Limb lengthening by callotasis for children and adolescents. Early experience.

The callotasis technique of De Bastiani was used to perform 11 lower extremity lengthenings in ten pediatric and adolescent patients (aged 8.1-18 years). Average gain in length was 5.0 cm per segment (15% of original bone length). All lengthened segments healed without bone grafting or internal fixation. Healing index was 32 days per centimeter gained. The device was well tolerated and easily removed in the clinic setting. There were 13 minor complications, managed without hospitalization. Three angular deformities required manipulation under anesthesia. One angular deformity remains uncorrected, and one patient lacked 1.1 cm of achieving the desired length. All other patients gained the desired length. There were no refractures, deep infections, or other complications. Limb lengthening by the De Bastiani method is a satisfactory procedure for the pediatric and adolescent patient with moderate limb-length discrepancy.