The indices of collagen metabolism in surgical treatment of the congenital shortenings of the lower limbs in children and adolescents

The content of blood hydroxyproline fractions were studied in 28 patients with congenital shortening of the lower limbs during limb lengthening by the Ilizarov technique. The data obtained demonstrated the occurrence of both biosynthesis of collagen and its lysis in the process of distraction osteosynthesis. Maximal content of peptide and free hydroxyproline was determined by the end of distraction period and decreased subsequently. Nevertheless active fibrillogenesis continued that was shown by further growth of the ratio of the fractions of peptide and free hydroxyproline.