Humeral lengthening for septic neonatal growth arrest.

A 9-year-old girl was treated by humeral lengthening for a 8.5 cm deficit caused by a septic arthritis 2 days after birth. A Wagner distraction apparatus was used after an osteotomy was done distal to the deltoid insertion. Six centimeters of length were gained. A second lengthening of about 7.5 cm is planned at the end of the patient's growth. No complications were encountered; by dividing the lengthening into two procedures, none are anticipated. At 1-year follow-up, there was a full range of shoulder, elbow, and hand motion; the humeri were virtually the same length.