Radial lengthening for septic growth arrest.

A case is presented of a child who sustained septic growth arrest of the distal radial epiphysis following osteomyelitis at 5 weeks of age. At age 8 years and 8 months radial lengthening using the Wagner apparatus was performed. Two and one-half centimeters of total length (18% of original length) was gained. No significant complications were encountered and normal function has been maintained. Although follow-up is short and additional lengthening is anticipated, this report illustrates the technical considerations for performing this procedure.