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Limb Lengthening

The experience and success of Ilizarov limb lengthening in achondroplasia, other forms of dwarfism, congenital and acquired limb length discrepancy, and bone defects have extended its indication to cosmetic increase of stature. As years go by the number of patients coming forward for increase of their height is on the rise, and they have high expectations from the procedure. The reasons for this are many – improved self-esteem, enhanced career opportunities, better participation in sports, and improved interpersonal relationships. Concerns and controversies have also arisen, however to the extent of making the patients crippled.

Experience of limb lengthening in pathological conditions has shown that over-lengthening always carries increased risk of complications and compromised function. In spite of reports that address the results of the Ilizarov technique and its variations in cosmetic increase of stature, there are no guidelines as to how much we can lengthen safely. Unlike limb length discrepancy and bone defects where the pathology guides the extent of lengthening, in the setting of cosmetic lengthening, the “safety factor” must be balanced with the patient’s “expectations” to ensure best results. Since the patients are somatically normal and fully functional, it is important that function should not be compromised in the bargain for cosmesis.

We further attempted to derive guidelines for safe lengthening possible in one bone segment.

Limb Lengthening Surgery

In Limb Lengthening surgery, both bones of the lower leg are given a thin incision (osteotomy), and an external fixator mounted on both legs makes one able to increase one mm daily by gradually twisting the screws. This increase is slightly different in different individuals; however, an external fixator should be on the tibia three months on average for the six cm height increase.

After an increase of six centimeters, the device is removed in the operating room and instead of it the fiberglass with five pins inside is placed from the knee to the ankle. This fiberglass will be remained in place until the desired amount of lengthening is reached, which is normally 2 to 6 months. During this time, the person is usually able to walk with a cane but with greater power over time and this ability improves day by day.

Limb Lengthening

A guide to Lengthening surgery

The amount of Lengthening (cm) The length of time the external fixator device is on the foot (Month) The length of time the fiberglass is placed (Month) normal walking pace after fiberglass removal (Month)
6 2.5 – 3 2.5 3
7 3 – 3.5 3 4
8 3.5 – 4 4 5
9 4.5 – 5 4.5 6
10 5.5 – 6 6 7
12

(Simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening)

2.5 – 3 (Just tibial)3 7

Keep in mind that these numbers are true if there is adequate nutrition, adequate exercise, regular physiotherapy, and ages between 6 and 8 kg and a weight of 1–3 kg, and alcohol and no smoking.

Leg Lengthening Surgery, generally, is a very serious matter, and when a patient decides that they want undergo a cosmetic surgery – the need for detailed information becomes even more crucial, from the very start; the patients’ needs to completely understand the whole process. Especially, how the surgical process would take place and what will happen pre-surgery, during the surgery and post-surgical recovery. As Limb Lengthening Surgeries are becoming popular and much more common than the last few decades; the methodologies and surgical techniques are constantly being updated and revised to meet with new innovative developments; providing better height gains and patient comfort.

Normally, any surgical procedure is a very serious matter and all surgeries do carry risks. Although, most patients, usually who undertake cosmetic limb lengthening surgery, undergo without any complications; even thought, limb lengthening surgery is overall considered as a riskier surgery. As, the risk of infection with external fixator systems is always present and without proper hygiene and care of the fixator, complications arising from infections can become a problem. Furthermore, it is highly advisable that such Limb Lengthening surgical procedure, always be carried out by experienced doctor, hospitals and proper post-operative care is always necessary. Most importantly, it is always advisable that you opt for the best surgical teams, especially doctor who have had a vast array of surgical experience.

It must be borne in mind, cosmetic limb lengthening surgeries are one of the most expensive cosmetic surgical procedures, currently; hence surgery costs are not most commonly affordable for everyone whose lives are affected by limited stature. Furthermore, medical practitioners, performing such cosmetic surgical procedures in the USA and European countries are generally very expensive as most cosmetic surgeries are almost never covered by medical insurance and private medical care, is generally very expensive in the western world. Hence in this blog, we will try to give you a comparative analysis between the different doctors and their leg lengthening surgical methodologies they practice, in different countries, with their relative costsso, you can choose the best possible lengthening surgery within your budget.

However, before having a glimpse at the limb lengthening procedures available worldwide; we would like you to consider taking a glance at our Doctor, Medical teams, the Methodologies that we practice and the relative costs.

Limb Lengthening Packages:
Lengthening Over Nails (LON)

Lengthening Over Nails (LON)

Bilateral Leg Lengthening

Bilateral Leg Lengthening

Best Doctors:
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