Advancements in medical technology have provided new avenues for treating various musculoskeletal issues. Limb lengthening surgery and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy are two such innovative procedures that have garnered significant attention. Below are comprehensive FAQs addressing these treatments, providing insight into their applications, processes, and outcomes.

Limb Lengthening Surgery FAQs

1. What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure that increases the length of the bones in the legs. This is achieved through gradual mechanical distraction, a process that involves cutting the bone and slowly pulling apart the ends to allow the newly generated bone to fill in the gap.

2. Who is a Candidate for Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Candidates for limb lengthening surgery usually fall into two categories. Medical necessity involves individuals with significant limb length discrepancies due to congenital conditions, injuries, or diseases that have resulted in one limb being shorter than the other. Cosmetic reasons include individuals who opt for the procedure to increase their height and involves a rigorous screening process.

3. How is Height Lengthening Surgery Performed?

Limb lengthening surgery involves several steps:

• Osteotomy: The surgeon makes a precise cut in the bone to be lengthened.
• External Fixation or Internal Device: Depending on the method used, either an external fixator is attached to the bone, or an internal device (such as a motorized intramedullary nail) is implanted.
• Distraction Phase: The bone segments are gradually pulled apart, typically at a rate of about 1 mm per day, allowing new bone to form in the gap.
• Consolidation Phase: After achieving the desired length, the new bone hardens and stabilizes.

4. What Are the Different Methods of Limb Lengthening?

External fixation devices are metal frames attached to the bone with pins or wires from outside the skin. Internal lengthening devices include telescopic rods inserted inside the bone, which lengthen gradually using an internal mechanism activated by an external remote control.

Dr. Shahab Mahboubian, D.O., MPH of the Height Lengthening Clinic in Burbank, CA, utilizes the PRECICE® Nail System. This is a minimally invasive solution for increasing height where the patient uses a remote control and proprietary magnet technology to gradually lengthen their bone from outside the body.

5. How Long is the Recovery Process?

Recovery from limb lengthening surgery occurs in several phases and can take up to a year. It involves the patient using. Some patients take less time to fully recover.

• Distraction Phase: This can take several weeks to months, depending on the amount of lengthening required.
• Consolidation Phase: It takes additional months for the new bone to fully harden.
• Rehabilitation: Intensive physical therapy is required throughout the process to maintain muscle and bone strength and joint mobility.

6. What Are the Risks and Complications?

Limb lengthening surgery risks include:

• Infection: Particularly at pin sites if an external fixator is used.
• Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage: Due to the stretching process.
• Joint Stiffness: Resulting from prolonged immobilization.
• Delayed or Incomplete Bone Healing: Known as nonunion or malunion.

7. What is the Success Rate of Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Limb lengthening surgery has a high success rate when performed by Dr. Mahboubian, Burbank, California’s leading orthopedic and height lengthening surgeon. Most patients achieve their desired height and return to normal activities, though the process can be arduous and requires a significant commitment to postoperative care and rehabilitation.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy FAQs

1. What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated form of a patient's own blood platelets to promote healing in injured tissues. Platelets are rich in growth factors and cytokines, which play a critical role in the body’s natural healing processes.

2. How is PRP Therapy Administered?

PRP therapy involves several steps:

• Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient.
• Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components.
• Injection: The concentrated platelets are then injected into the affected area under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement.

3. What Conditions Can PRP Therapy Treat?

PRP therapy is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Tendon Injuries: Such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and rotator cuff tears.
• Ligament Injuries: Including sprains and partial tears.
• Osteoarthritis: Particularly in the knees.
• Muscle Injuries: Such as strains and tears.
• Post-Surgical Healing: To enhance recovery after procedures like ACL reconstruction.

4. How Long Does It Take to See Results from PRP Therapy?

Most individuals start to see improvements in pain and function within a few weeks after treatment. The full benefits typically emerge over several months as the body gradually repairs the targeted tissues.

5. Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

PRP therapy is generally considered safe since it uses the patient’s own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or immune responses. However, there are the following risks:

• Infection at the injection site.
• Pain or temporary discomfort or inflammation at the injection site.
• Nerve injury, which is rare.

6. How Effective is PRP Therapy?

The effectiveness of PRP therapy varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient. It's often most effective when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy.

7. How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed?

The number of PRP sessions required can vary based on the condition and its severity. Typically, patients receive one to three injections spaced a few weeks apart. Some conditions may require additional treatments for optimal results.

Comparing Limb Lengthening Surgery and PRP Therapy

While both limb lengthening surgery and PRP therapy offer innovative solutions for specific medical needs, they cater to vastly different conditions. Limb lengthening is a complex, invasive procedure primarily used to address significant limb length discrepancies or for height enhancement. In contrast, PRP therapy is a minimally invasive treatment aimed at promoting the healing of soft tissues and reducing pain in musculoskeletal injuries.

Conclusion

Both limb lengthening surgery and PRP therapy represent significant advancements in the medical field. Whether seeking to address a limb length discrepancy through surgery or alleviate chronic tendon pain with PRP, these treatments offer promising avenues for improving quality of life. If you're ready to explore how you can benefit from limb lengthening surgery or Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, contact the Height Lengthening Institute team today!