[Elongation of the lower extremities. Experience at the University Clinic of Navarre].

The objective of this paper is to explain how and why bone lengthening techniques developed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology of the University Clinic of Navarra. We gave up on bone stimulation methods because they were unpredictable and almost not effective; also we abandoned the one-step lengthening methods because they are particularly prone to complications. Now we use almost always progressive lengthening methods among which we prefer bone lengthening by means of metaphyseal percutaneous osteotomy with delayed distraction. Indications for this late method include bone lengthening regardless the age, except for congenital shortening, and correction of angular deformities in mature patients. Physeal distraction would be indicated for bone lengthening in congenital shortening and correction of angular deformities always in immature patients.