[Measurement of the electric potential difference between the plate and the bone and its impact on elongation of the limb after corrective osteotomy of the proximal end of the femur in children].

The electric potential difference between the bone and the plate inserted after corrective osteotomy of the proximal end of the femur in children has been measured with the use of YF-3503 digital multimeter. Thirty children were included in the study, the measurement taken at the removal of the plate. An increase of the potential difference of 150-330 mV was found in all patients. In 16 cases elongation of the operated limb occurred and was marked most in the 3-10 years of age group. It was directly proportional to the time of maintaining the plate in the femur. The lack of growth stimulation in other patients might be attributed to spastic tetrapresis in 5 children and to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in remaining 4.