Leg lengthening in spinal dysraphism.

Spinal dysraphism may lead to limb inequality and foot deformities. Fears have been expressed regarding limb lengthening in such patients because of potential sequelae in relation to their peripheral neurologic abnormalities. We performed Ilizarov lengthening of the lower limb on seven community walkers with spinal dysraphism. The procedure was well tolerated with no increase in sepsis, soft-tissue, or bony complications compared with patients undergoing lengthening for reduction anomalies. All the patients mobilised rapidly after frame application and returned to their previous functional level within 3 months of plaster removal.