PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 30 consecutive patients with femoral OM. LRS insertion and corticotomy were done according to the standard technique. Radiographic evaluation was performed every 2 weeks during the distraction phase and every 2-4 weeks during the consolidation phase. The clinical outcome measurements included union time, limb length discrepancy, additional operative procedures, refracture and infection.

RESULTS: The present study included 30 patients with femoral OM. They comprised 27 males (90.0%) and 3 females (10.0%) with an age of 28.1 ± 15.6 years. All, except one, achieved union with a mean union time of 8.6 months (range 4-20 months). The mean union time for acute compression was 7.6 months (range 4-20 months) while for patients with bone transport it was 14.5 months (range 12-18 months). The mean limb length discrepancy was 1.8 cm (range 0-4 cm). At the end of the follow=up, two patients were not able to ambulate without support; one due to non-union and one due to paraplegia.