The prevalence of the complications and their associated factors in humeral lengthening for achondroplasia: retrospective study of 54 cases

The aim of this study is to evaluate the complications of humeral lengthening and their associated factors. Fifty-four achondroplastic patients were treated by bilateral humeral lengthening. Our original shoulder sling was sufficient to prevent shoulder dislocation. Pre-existing radial head dislocation was observed in 18 patients. Lengthening was accomplished in all cases without a decrease in the elbow function. Seven humeri fractured after the fixator removal. The risk factors for postoperative fracture were a waiting period of less than 5 days, a healing index less than 25, and the concave shape of the callus. There was no radial nerve palsy.