There are a variety of reasons that the limbs of our bodies can vary in length. These include fractures, the onset of an illness, or a congenital defect. The body is designed to be symmetrical, and the difference in limb length affects both the mobility of a person and in some instances it can affect their confidence. Innovative surgical procedures have been developed that can correct the difference in limb length and improve overall functionality of the individual.
Limb lengthening is based on the principle that the body can heal itself if the right conditions are induced. By utilizing the body’s ability to regenerate new bone and auxiliary systems, it is possible to train the bone to reach the desired length with the appropriate medical mechanisms.
What is the limb lengthening procedure?
Limb lengthening begins with the cutting of the bone, in an operation known as osteotomy. A scaffold is then built around the cut area either internally with a limb lengthening nail or externally with a fixateur. Once the surgery is complete, there is a two phase recovery period. The first phase is known as the distraction phase, involving the process of gradually pulling apart the bone, in the region where it was initially cut. At the interface of the cut, there will be a continuous growth of new bone tissue. The gap is adjusted typically four times per day at a rate of 1 mm a day in quarter increments. The gap between the bones is adjusted daily, until the desired length of bone is generated. If there is any additional alignment of the bone to be corrected, it will be adjusted during this phase as well. Patients do remain mobile while they undergo treatment via utilization of crutches.
During the second phase of the limb lengthening process, the bone consolidates or hardens and eventually heals itself. Eventually the patient will be able to apply weight to the limb, and after the required healing time they can resume normal activities.
Pain Management during Bone Lengthening
The osteotomy and fixation device insertion is conducted utilizing epidural anaesthesia. Patients are often awake during their surgical procedure. As a minimally invasive surgery, no large incisions are made in the patient’s leg and they are usually able to return to their homes after two days of hospitalization. The healing process from this surgery is one that is relatively pain free. The majority of patients have no complaints of significant pain.
The success rates of limb lengthening surgeries are very high at approximately 95%. With minimal scarring, the procedure is one that results in the limbs restoring nicely once they are fully healed. One minor side effect that may be experienced is stiffening in the joints.
Healing Time After Surgery
The limb lengthening surgery is one that is conducted on both adults and children. Children generally heal faster than adults, and in this instance their healing rate can be as much as half the healing time of adults. Adults may take up to six months to acquire 1.5 inches of growth. Via diet and exercise, patients can enhance their healing process.
Reference Article: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_limb-lengthening-overview.asp
