Distraction osteogenesis of a congenital amputation at the elbow.

A case is described demonstrating the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis for the lengthening of a short below elbow congenital amputation. To our knowledge this technique has not been previously used in a patient with a congenital amputation. The surgical technique of corticotomy and postoperative lengthening is detailed. The result converted the level of patient performance from elbow disarticulation to functional below elbow status.