56 patients who had undergone lower limb lengthening in accordance with Ilizarov principles in 61 bone segments were retrospectively studied and functional outcomes were evaluated by 5 different assessment systems.

There were 17 cases of congenial bone deficiencies, 11 post poliomyelitis, 11 post traumatic, 8 post infection, and 9 miscellaneous cases.

The average lengthening was 7.6 centimeters (3–14). Among the 46 patients who had reached skeletal maturity at the time of study,79% had reached their lengthening goal. 10 patients had still open physes and would require further equalization procedures.

There were 40 side effects (complications and obstacles) and 37 problems. 27 cases required additional surgery to treat the complications. Major complications were most commonly seen in congenital femoral lengthening cases.

The functional outcome as evaluated by the five different assessment systems revealed improvement in almost all aspects. The improvement in esthetic appearance of the limb and shoe -wear, walking, sporting activities, and limp were the most common reasons for satisfaction as observed in 89% of the cases.