Frequently Asked Questions about Limb Lengthening Surgery
Is limb lengthening surgery safe?
Nowadays, limb lengthening surgery has become safer and easier thanks to the recent developments in orthopedic surgical techniques. The success rate of limb lengthening surgery is very high. It is completely safe when the operation and follow-up are performed by an experienced surgeon and medical team, and when the patient is followed well, especially during the lengthening period. It is very important to notice and prevent complications that may occur in the surgery and in the following process. After good management of these processes, patients can fully recover and reach their full physical capacity.
Is limb lengthening a painful process?
The pain during the hospitalization period after limb lengthening surgery is not extreme and is completely controlled with painkillers. There is usually no pain at the beginning of the extension period. When tension begins in the soft tissues, there may be a feeling of tension and pain associated with it. Pain level varies from person to person, but it is certainly not an excessive pain. If the technique is applied correctly, the mild to moderate painkillers would be enough. The appropriate physical therapy program and early mobilization will reduce the need of painkillers. Extreme pain is often a sign of a complication or technical incompetence.
Can anyone get limb lengthening surgery ?
Anyone who has leg length discrepancy with or without limb deformity can do this surgery.But if it is going to be performed only for cosmetic reasons, patients should have an age between 20 and 50. We prefer the individuals who are non-smokers, have good physical and mental health and candidates without any chronic diseases or hormonal problems. For smokers, quitting to smoke is definitely obligatory.
How is the limb lengthening surgery performed?
Limb lengthening surgery is basically performed to lengthen the bone tissue. Long bones are cut at an appropriate level with minimal invasive technique. We call that “osteotomy”. Surrounding soft tissues are preserved carefully. Surgeon will also apply an orthopedic lengthening device to the bone. Orthopedic lengthening devices that are inserted into the bone are called internal devices, such as the PRECICE nail. Orthopedic lengthening devices that remain outside of the body are called external fixators, such as the monorail fixator or the Circular (ilizarov) frame fixator. The ends of the osteotomized bone are distracted 1 mm per day using an orthopedic device (intramedullary nail or external fixator). While the patient is lengthening, the bone tissue tries to heal and fill this gap. The gradual lengthening is achieved during the distraction. When the desired bone length is achieved, the distraction is stopped and the bone is expected to heal completely.
What are the limb lengthening surgery techniques?
We basically divide all lengthening techniques in 3 groups.
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External technique: This is an external technique. External fixators are externally placed on the limb for lengthening. Lengthening is done with external fixator. The external fixator remains in the extremity until the bone has fully healed. It is no longer preferred in the field of cosmetic lengthening.
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Combined(LON) technique: It is also known as lengthening over nail. The external fixator and the internal nail are implanted into the bone simultaneously. Lengthening is done with external fixator. After the lengthening is finished, the external fixator is removed and the intramedullary nail begins to bear the body weight.
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Internal technique: This is known as the internal method. There is no external fixator on the limb. There is only a special motorized intramedullary nail with lengthening function inside the bone. Lengthening is done by external remote control system. It is the most comfortable and advanced limb lengthening technique.