Congenital short femur

Results of different lengthening procedures in 51 patients with unilateral congenital short femur are reported. Emphasis is placed on stability of the hip joint, which is a prerequisite for any femoral lengthening procedure. Combination of lengthening procedures of the femur and tibia with shortening techniques can correct discrepancies ≤30 cm. For complicated cases, the ring fixator, offering stability of hip and knee joints, is preferred to unilateral devices. Femoral lengthening in femoral focal deficiency should always be performed distally. © 1993 Raven Press, Ltd., New York.