Short humerus: results of 11 prolongations in 10 children and adolescents.

The author evaluates the results of extension of 11 humeri in 10 children and adolescents with an average age of 12.5 years. The most frequent cause of the abbreviation was neonatal osteomyelitis. A Wagner apparatus was used with success and is considered highly suitable for this purpose. The maximum extension was 95 mm; one bone was extended twice with an interval of 2 years in between. The most serious complication was temporary paralysis of the nerves of the forearm and hand. Correction of the length of the upper extremities has a positive effect on the patient's psyche and on the aesthetic appearance and the functioning of the limb.