Definition
The longest and largest nerve in the human body, originating from the lumbar and sacral nerve roots and running through the buttock and down the posterior thigh. During femoral lengthening, the sciatic nerve is vulnerable to traction injury as the bone is distracted.
Sources
- Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Achondroplasia — Shabtai L et al., Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2021Official public source
33 obstacles in femoral+tibial lengthening including 10 peroneal nerve entrapments, 8 premature consolidations. Lengthening 5-8 cm medium risk; >8 cm higher complication rate.
- Results and complications of bilateral limb lengthening in achondroplasia — Ferruzza M et al., Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023Official public source
46 lengthening procedures (56 tibias, 36 femurs). Average tibial gain 7.9 cm, femoral gain 6.9 cm. 20.7% complication rate across 92 segments. Each week of external fixation associated with 4.7% increased complication risk.
- Stature Lengthening Surgery — Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Reif TJOfficial public source
Most patients gain ~3 inches via femur; up to 5-6 inches total with tibia addition. Six-month process for femur alone.
Informational only. Not medical advice.