Z-osteotomy in limb lengthening

ABSTRACT

Z-osteotomy is a modified technique that involves controlled distraction after subperiosteal, metaphysiocortical osteotomy in a Z- shaped manner. The technique and its advantages over other methods are described. Results of lengthening involving 29 operated bone segments [10 femura and 19 tibiae] in 23 patients are reviewed. All except one are due to limb length inequality as a complication of poliomyelitis. The desired amount of lengthening was achieved verying from 3 to 8 cm for a single bone, with a mean of 6.8 cm. The percentage increase over the initial length varied from 8 to 23% with a mean of 19%. All the lengthened segments healed without the need for bone graft and in a very short period in comparison with any other technique, especially there is no delay period and 1 cm can be gained at the first postoperative day. The complications were mentioned and no care of early or delayed bone consolidation was recorded