Limb Lengthening Surgery
What is Limb Lengthening Surgery? How Is It Done?
Limb lengthening surgery is a type of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedure that can be performed from adolescence onwards. Leg lengthening may be done for purposes such as ensuring proportional appearance of the legs, balancing the patient's gait, and addressing aesthetic concerns. The limb lengthening procedure requires patience and can take a long time. You can find detailed information about limb lengthening surgery in the continuation of the text.
What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery, among the prominent methods of lengthening, is a type of limb extension surgery. But what is a limb? Limb is the general term used for arms and legs. Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure specifically aimed at making the leg bone longer. Surgeons may work on leg bones called the Femur (thigh bone) or Tibia (shin bone) for leg lengthening surgery. Individuals of very short stature or those with aesthetic concerns may undergo this surgery.
How Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Done?
The question of "How is height increased in limb lengthening surgery?" is often wondered. In the surgery, a reconstructive surgeon first performs a surgical osteotomy (bone cutting) on the femur and/or tibia of the leg to be lengthened through small incisions. Then, the incised area is stabilized with a special frame. So how does this frame help in increasing height? With the support of the frame, the leg is gradually stretched, allowing for the formation of new bone between the two cut ends of the bone. Over time, this newly formed bone strengthens until it can support body weight. The answer to the question "How is height increased?" can be found in this surgery. Although sometimes signs of height increase may be observed with this method, it is a long and challenging treatment with risks of complications.
Why Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Done?
Those who undergo limb lengthening surgery are not only doing so for aesthetic concerns. The surgery can also be performed to address discrepancies (differences) in arm or leg length. Additionally, it may be preferred in the treatment of disproportions resulting from irregular bone growth patterns or certain conditions leading to shorter bone length. Limb lengthening surgery is a type of limb extension surgery with its risks. In addition to correcting the aesthetic appearance, surgery may also be preferred in the following cases:
- When there is a benign bone tumor on a growth plate,
- In cases of cerebral palsy,
- In congenital femur (thigh bone) deficiency, where one femur is shorter than the other from birth,
- In hemihypertrophy, a rare condition where one side of the body grows more than the other,
- In hereditary conditions such as skeletal dysplasia, dwarfism, which hinder bone growth,
- In growth plate fractures,
- In osteomyelitis (bone inflammation) disease.
What Are the Types of Limb Lengthening Surgery?
When the reviews of those who have undergone limb lengthening surgery are examined, it can be seen that there are many different limb lengthening methods. These methods have their own advantages and disadvantages compared to each other. Some may be more economical for those concerned about the cost of limb lengthening surgery, some may be faster, while others may be safer and provide clearer results. The types of limb lengthening surgery used today can be listed as follows:
- Holyfix,
- TSF (Taylor Spatial Frame),
- LON (Lengthening Over Nail),
- Precice 2,
- Precice Stryde,
- Ilizarov method.
The Ilizarov method is the first choice for patients desiring limb lengthening for cosmetic reasons, and it is effectively applied.
What is the Ilizarov Method?
The Ilizarov method is a type of surgery involving an orthopedic device (external fixator) applied to limbs to reconstruct, reshape, or lengthen bones (usually long bones). External fixation, or external stabilization, is a surgical limb lengthening method where rods are screwed into the affected bone through an incision and protrude from the body to be attached to an external stabilizing structure. The Ilizarov surgery requires the use of a special device called the 'Ilizarov apparatus' or 'Ilizarov fixator.'
Limb Lengthening Surgery Process
Limb lengthening surgery can be costly not only in terms of price but also in terms of time. Therefore, the surgical process can be exhausting. It is crucial to properly follow the prescription of the expert physician to achieve the desired results when the requirements during the healing process increase and symptoms of limb lengthening pain start to appear.
Before Limb Lengthening Surgery
Your specialist may request a bone X-ray and various measurements to be taken before the surgery. This helps to understand how much the bone can be lengthened. You may wish for a difference of 10 cm between your height before and after the surgery. However, when we consider "How many cm does limb lengthening surgery add?" we can see that there are many factors affecting this. Therefore, it's not possible to give a definite answer before completing the treatment process. Other medical procedures that need to be done before surgery will be communicated to you by the specialists preparing you for the operation. If you are using any medications or have a chronic illness, informing your doctor before the surgery can not only minimize complication risks but also be beneficial for the recovery process after the surgery.
After Limb Lengthening Surgery
Discharge from the hospital doesn't happen immediately after the surgery. You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. After healing for some time in the hospital, before your discharge, your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to use the limb-lengthening device. If the device is external, maintaining the cleanliness of the pins regularly is crucial to prevent infections. If you have an internal device, you should take care to keep the surgical incisions clean. After limb lengthening procedures, you may need to refrain from using your leg for a while, and your doctor may recommend a supportive device to assist you with this.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Risks and Complications
As with any surgery or invasive procedure, limb lengthening surgery carries risks. Some individuals may experience intense pain during or after the limb lengthening procedure. Other possible complications may include:
- Weak bone formation
- Development of fractures or increased susceptibility to fractures
- Infection
- Inappropriate rate of bone growth
- Formation of blood clots
It's also worth noting that there may be some uncertainties regarding the safety and effectiveness of limb lengthening surgery.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Costs
The costs of limb lengthening surgery can vary depending on the medical center where the surgery is performed, the experience of the surgeon, and the materials used. To get information on this topic, you can contact the center where you are considering having the surgery and inquire for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Limb Lengthening Surgery
There are many questions that individuals may have about limb lengthening surgery. Questions like 'What should be done to lengthen the limbs?', 'Is limb lengthening surgery possible for someone who is 170 cm tall?', or 'What is the use of the platinum used in limb lengthening surgery?' are common. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Who Can Undergo Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Adult individuals who desire to lengthen their limbs and do not have any health restrictions can undergo limb lengthening surgery, as long as there are no medical contraindications recommended by a doctor.
What Tests Are Required Before Surgery?
Typically, a leg X-ray is taken and measurements of the bone are made to determine how much lengthening is needed during the surgery.
How Long is the Recovery Period After Surgery?
Being discharged from the hospital can take around 3 days, but complete recovery may take months.
How Much Lengthening Can Be Expected After Surgery?
The amount of lengthening can vary depending on the reason for the surgery and the individual's physiology.
Is There an Age Limit for the Surgery?
When performed for medical reasons, surgery can be done after the recommended age limit advised by the doctor. However, when performed for aesthetic concerns, the ideal age for surgery may be after the growth plates in the bones have ceased function, typically around 18-20 years old.
What Are the Possible Complications After Surgery?
Complications may include vascular and nerve damage, insufficient stiffness of the new bone, inadequate bone growth, or infection in the bone or incision area. If you experience any issues after surgery, consulting with your specialist is advisable.
What is the Success Rate of the Surgery?
The success of the surgery can vary depending on individual physiology and expectations. One significant factor is having the operation performed by a skilled team using the latest technologies.
When Can I Resume Sports Activities After Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Starting sports before complete recovery can potentially harm the body, so it may be best to avoid sports for the duration recommended by your doctor. For information specific to limb lengthening surgery, consulting with your physician is recommended. Liv Hospital offers limb lengthening surgery services with its expert team.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
