ABSTRACT
Upper limb lengthening is indicated in large length discrepancies, severe angular deformities due to exostosis, trauma to the epiphyseal plate or congenital deficiency, which may result in functional and cosmetic problems. In our work, 8 upper limb segments in 8 patients were lengthened, which included 6 ulnae, 1 radius and 1 humerus. The cases included 3 patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis, 2 patients with congenital short ulna and dislocated head radius and 2 post-traumatic patients with [pbyseal injuries and old fractures] and one patient with Ollier's disease. The average age at the time of surgery was 11.5 years [range 5-19]. In all cases the Orthofix Limb reconstruction system LRS [pediatric size] was used. Callotasis method was applied. The average follow up period was 19.5 months [range 6- 44]. The average lengthening achieved was 3 cm [range 2.3-5]. The percentage increase over initial length averaged 20% [range 15-31%]. The healing index [HI] averaged 45.7 days/cm. In one case callus deformity occurred and temporary decrease of the radio-carpal joint mobility occurred in another case. In conclusion, the results of our work on upper limb lengthening as regards the functional and aesthetic out come, the complication rate and the healing [HI] index were satisfactory