[Callus distraction in traumatology: concepts and indications].

The understanding of the conditions under which bone and soft tissue can be regenerated by distraction has opened a new era in the field of limb reconstruction. Success in lengthening for posttraumatic limb length discrepancy has led to different applications of the distraction techniques. We present an overview of the clinical new possibilities, the strategy, the techniques and the complications using the distraction technique in the trauma patient. The optimal biologic method (limb distraction after resection or callus distraction by a transport technique) and the optimal fixation devices depend on the indication (local aspect, polytrauma, patient, motivation).