Fibular Hemimelia: Comparison of Outcome Measurements After Amputation and Lengthening*

Abstract

This study demonstrated that children who undergo early amputation are more active, have less pain, are more satisfied, have fewer complications, undergo fewer procedures, and incur less cost than those who undergo lengthening. This was true even though good results were obtained with the lengthening procedures and most patients achieved limb-length equality, were able to walk, had minimal pain, and were quite active.