Reversible Femoral Distraction-Induced Sciatic Neuropraxia in an Achondroplasia Patient

Limb lengthening for short stature has become a standardized procedure with a good prognosis. External fixation is commonly used for those procedures. Gradual bone lengthening at a rate of 0.25 millimeter four times daily is commonly performed. Irreversible nerve traction injury was associated with acute limb lengthening rather than gradual distraction of bones. This reported case was unusual. The patient developed sciatic nerve stretch injury during the phase of gradual femoral distraction. Compression of the distraction site made the injury reversible.