Limb Lengthening Procedure

The limb lengthening procedure relies on the natural regenerating properties of the bones. The bones of the leg to be lengthened; for example, the tibia is cut in two. The nerves and muscles in between are then prepared for lengthening using soft tissue procedures. An internal or external fixator is then applied to the cut area of the bone.

Post-operative lengthening follows the schedule below:

• A latency period directly after surgery where a new bone is allowed to form in the segmented area. Here, the fixator is turned a little several times a day for up to a week to stimulate bone formation. 

• The distraction phase is the period when the bone is actually lengthened. The fixator is adjusted to pull apart the two bone segments. This makes the bone lengthen by 1 millimeter a day. Distraction can take up to several months until the desired length is achieved.

• The consolidation period follows, where the new bone is allowed to harden. The fixator remains in place for up to 2 months for each centimeter of limb growth in adults. Bone progress is followed using x-rays while the patient also undergoes physical therapy so they can properly use their newly lengthened limbs.
  

Limb Lengthening Surgery Eligibility

As with other surgical procedures, there are eligibility requirements that not passes. For example, people with brittle bone disease, hip deformity, or scoliosis are discouraged from undergoing this procedure. Those with other underlying health issues might also be ineligible.

Discrepancies caused by trauma from accidents can lead to asymmetry, which might cause back, knee, and ankle pain. In other cases like malunion, osteoarthritis might develop. To ensure you do not have any problems or are not likely to get these complications, do your research and consult with your orthopedic surgeon before starting the process.

You should consult your doctor before deciding to get limb lengthening surgery. An orthopedic surgeon will do a thorough evaluation to determine whether you can have the surgery or not. 

How Is the Process?

The limb lengthening procedure has multiple phases, and the gradual lengthening process can take several months to heal fully. The first phase, the preparation phase, is about a day or two before the surgery, where the doctor will teach you about how you will need to take care of yourself after the surgery. You will also learn what remote-controlled devices and exercises to engage in during recovery.

The osteotomy operation phase starts with the procedure, which takes 2 to 3 hours. After the procedure is done, you will enter the 5 to 7 days of the latency period to allow the bones to rest and heal. Next comes the distraction phase, where you start adjusting the bone segments to add length and promote new bone growth. Getting a 5cm lengthening can take you up to 2 months to achieve.

The second recovery phase is the consolidation and healing stage, which lets the bone consolidate, solidify and completely heal. This phase can take up to 3 months for the new bone to solidify. It will take another five months before the lengthening devices can be removed.

Is Surgery Painful?

The limb lengthening procedure is painful, but you will not feel anything. Patients are put under anesthesia during the surgery. You will also be put on pain medication the whole time during the recovery process.

You will have to ensure that you take great care after surgery so that the limb does not get infected. You will also have regular checkups with the doctor, during which you should always tell them if there is any problem or if any of the medication is not working.

Contact the doctor immediately if you experience any of these:

• Signs of infection like fever, chills

• Pain and/or swelling in the legs, feet, or calves

• Unbearable pain that can't be controlled by the medication you have

• Severe nausea or vomiting

• Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, increased pain, or discharge around the adjustment tools or the incision.

• Problems with the adjustment devices

• Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the leg, knee, or foot
  

Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Safe?

Limb lengthening surgery is pretty safe and does not have big risks. The biggest risk is compartment leg syndrome, which is easily dealt with without long-term problems. Surgeons use the best and latest technology to reduce the risks of complications. 

Post-operation, the safety of the surgery will largely depend on how closely follow your doctor's guidelines. You will need to observe high levels of hygiene to prevent anything from infecting the area. If you are in follow-up care, you will be in much better hands with even lower levels of complications. Work with physical therapists if you can to ease the healing process.

Why Choose the Height Lengthening Institute?

Limb lengthening surgery is a great way to say goodbye to leg deformity, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues due to your height. The procedure is simple and safe, and you will see results in no time. Getting the procedure done will not only make you taller, but it will also add value to your life, improving it for the better. Remember to be active and follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. 

Our team at Height Lengthening has some of the most experienced and qualified orthopedic surgeons in the field. We offer the best treatments, and we can change our treatment to suit you and your needs. We have a team-centered approach that will help you get the best results and get the height you always desired.