Circumferential periosteal release is a rarely reported procedure for paediatric limb lengthening. The technique involves circumferential excision of a strip of periosteum from the metaphysis of the distal femur, tibia and fibula. This study aims to determine the mid to long-term effectiveness of this technique. A retrospective case series was performed of all patients undergoing circumferential periosteal release of the distal femur and/or tibia between 2006 and 2017. Data collected included demographics, surgical indication, post-operative limb-lengths and complications. Data collection was stopped if a further procedure was performed that may affect limb-length (except a further release). Leg-length discrepancies were calculated as absolute values and as percentages of the longer limb-length. Final absolute and percentage discrepancies were compared to initial discrepancies using a paired t-test.Introduction
Materials and Methods