Effect of Growth Hormone on Limb Lengthening in a Patient with Achondroplasia

Limb lengthening was performed on a patient with achondroplasia. The first operation was performed without growth hormone (GH) therapy, and the second operation was performed with GH therapy. The effect of GH on limb lengthening was studied. For the lengthening of limbs, the Orthofix device was used on the femur, and the Ilizarov method was used on the tibia. It took more time for the consolidation of the callus and severe narrowing of the femur was observed at the second limb lengthening. GH treatment was of no benefit for the consolidation of the callus in this patient.