[The possibility of growth plate protection in extensive bone lengthening].

Lower extremity lengthening by 14 to 16 cm (70-100%) was done in 10 children aged 8-10 years. Growth plate protection was secured by including it in distractor or performing arthrodiatasis. No physeal fusion was observed during 2-3 years follow-up. No valgus deformity of the tibia in fibular aplasia was noted either. The authors conclude that the management protects growth plate in extensive limb lengthening.