Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure that aims to enhance bone length and rectify bone abnormalities. It is commonly carried out on the arm, arm, thigh, and shin bones. During this surgery, the patient’s limb bones are carefully extended while taking into consideration the stretching of the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Limb lengthening can be quite an time-consuming journey, for both individuals and their loved ones. To make choices regarding this procedure it’s essential to grasp the complexities involved acknowledge adverse effects and explore other available treatment alternatives.
If you’re struggling with the length of your arms or legs and are seeking a hospital, for limb-lengthening surgery we recommend checking out our list of specialized hospitals, in India that offer this procedure.
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What Is the Purpose of Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery is mainly performed to correct huge differences in limb length. Certain deformities that can benefit from this procedure are:
● Cerebral palsy.
● Hemihypertrophy.
● Skeletal dysplasia.
● Osteomyelitis.
● Fracture or benign bone tumor in the growth plates.
● Congenital femoral deficiency.
Apart from these conditions, limb lengthening surgery is also widely used for aesthetic purposes, for those who want to have a taller appearance and those who seek to have a better posture.
Devices Used for Limb-Lengthening Surgery
The surgeon will decide which device, either an external fixator or an internal lengthening rod is the appropriate and effective, for extending the patient’s limbs to the surgery.
● External fixators – It is a metal frame designed to be worn outside the limbs and hold the bone in place. This surgical procedure involves the use of an external fixator, which comprises small rods known as pins penetrating through the skin and into the bone. Adjustable bars, referred to as struts, are then turned gradually to facilitate the incremental lengthening of the bone. Typically, these external fixators are removed after the consolidation phase, once the newly formed bone is sufficiently strong to bear weight effectively.
● Internal lengthening device – An expandable rod also called a PRECICE nail is implanted inside the bone. The rod has a magnetic gear system inside it, and it can be slowly extended by using another magnet which is used as a handheld remote controller over the skin. The device is usually removed from the bone a year after they are being placed.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Procedure
The procedure of limb lengthening surgery is conducted pain-free by performing under general anesthesia. The process consists of three stages, surgery, distraction, and consolidation phases which are briefly explained below:
● Surgery – This is the first stage of the bone lengthening process. The bone is cut in a specific way to maintain the blood flow and other biological processes important for bone healing. The lengthening device is fixed to the bone to create a gap between the bone ends.
Following this procedure, patients usually spend at least one night in the hospital. The second stage usually starts after a week or ten days of rest.
● Distraction (lengthening) – This is the second stage of the procedure which lasts for up to two months. The two ends of the bone are gradually separated using the device to encourage the growth of a new bone that will fill up the space left by lengthening.
It is necessary to carefully monitor the bone growth, and the surrounding nerves, tissues, and muscles throughout this stage. If any complications are found to occur, then it might be required to stop the process or slow it down a bit.
● Consolidation (healing) – Once the intended length of the bone is reached, the gap is naturally filled by the body’s healing process. In the meantime, the nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the bone adjust to the new length.
Patients’ attempts to have a limb-lengthening surgery typically consider India as an ideal place. The main reason is that limb lengthening surgery cost in India are usually much lower in respect to certain other countries, especially European nations. In addition to that India has many highly qualified surgeons, and the best hospitals that are equipped with the most advanced techniques which make it a desirable place for those who are considering having a limb lengthening surgery.
Pros and Cons of Limb Lengthening Surgery
Limb lengthening surgery is widely used to treat patients with skeletal dysplasia, bone growth abnormalities, or discrepancies in their bone length. Positive results are achieved with a high success rate of the procedure. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks in addition to the advantages discussed below.
Pros
● Treatment of gait.
● Increase in flexibility.
● Improvement in the range of motion.
● Strengthen leg.
● Correct posture issues.
● Treated pain in the knees, ankles, hips, or back.
● Treated complications of leg length differences.
Cons
● Stiffness in the muscles or joints of the extended leg or arm.
● Infections in the bone or at the site of the incision.
● Infections at the pin site in those with external devices.
● Bone that needs to be properly consolidated (hardened).
● Bone that falls short of the ideal length.
● Harm to the nerves or muscles.
● Bone non-union.
Recovery Process
Limb lengthening surgery typically involves a hospital stay, for a days following the procedure. Once you’re ready the surgeon will provide you with instructions, on how to use the lengthening device before you can be discharged.
For a few weeks, you won’t be able to use the limb where the surgery is carried out. While you are in the bone distraction phase, you may adjust the device several times a day to separate the bone segments properly. Make sure to attend a session of physical therapy every week to improve your muscle strength and range of motion. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure the proper healing of the new bone.
The device will be removed once the new bone is completely hardened. You might need to wear a cast or braces for several weeks after the device is removed.
Helpful:- Best Limb Lengthening Hospitals in India
When Should I Be Alert?
You must take precautions and immediately contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:
● Pin sites dripping with blood, pus, or fluid.
● Breathing difficulties or chest pain.
● Fever, nausea and vomiting.
● Numbness or tingling sensation in the extended leg or arm.
● When the extended arm or leg hurts or swells.
● Redness or red streaks at the incisions or pin sites.
Conclusion
Limb lengthening surgery can be highly successful when performed by a surgeon, in a equipped medical facility. It is a procedure for individuals dealing with limb length differences and other bone irregularities. If you’re seeking an affordable treatment option it’s worth considering that the cost of limb lengthening surgery in India is comparatively lower than in countries, without compromising on quality.
