SynthesisInternational orthopaedics2026
Efficacy and safety of limb lengthening in achondroplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in International orthopaedics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Premature Consolidation of Regenerated Bone During Limb Lengthening with External Fixation in Achondroplastic Patients: Case Series and Literature Review.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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Abstract
purposeTo systematically review the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of limb lengthening procedures in patients with achondroplasia, including effects on quality of life.
methodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Eligible studies included patients with achondroplasia who underwent limb lengthening of the upper and/or lower extremities. Data were extracted on length gain, external fixator index, fixation duration, complications, and quality of life. Pooled means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using single-arm meta-analysis.
resultsFourteen studies including 1149 patients were analyzed. The mean femoral gain was 8.85 cm (95% CI: 7.42-10.28), tibial gain 7.36 cm (95% CI: 6.21-8.52), and humeral gain 8.38 cm (95% CI: 7.01-9.74). The mean fixator index was 37.1 days/cm (95% CI: 32.37-41.82), with a mean fixation duration of 7.71 months (95% CI: 5.98-9.63). The overall complication rate was 56.1% (95% CI: 26.9-85.2). Importantly, the pooled quality of life score measured by the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory was 75.69 (95% CI: 65.14-86.23), indicating moderate improvement despite high treatment burden.
conclusionLimb lengthening in achondroplasia achieves significant stature and proportional gains but requires prolonged treatment and carries a high complication risk. Nevertheless, improvements in functional ability and quality of life are evident, particularly when multi-limb lengthening is performed. Future studies should standardize outcome reporting, assess long-term QoL trajectories, and evaluate newer technologies such as intramedullary nails combined with multidisciplinary support.
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