Limb Lengthening Surgery Overview
The limb lengthening surgery is the general name given to the orthopedic operation performed on the legs to increase the height in people whose growth plates are closed. The lengthening surgery can also be done to the arms. This process is carried out with external or internal fixators placed between bones, in order to divide bones into two and extend the gap. With each passing day, the gap between the bone is opened and new bone formation takes place in the space formed between them. This operation bases on the fact that the human body through the regeneration of its soft tissues with the new bone-forming mechanism.
Contrary to popular beliefs, during the procedure, a bone that is removed from the body is not placed into another body area. Self-renewal of the bone is provided by external intervention, it is a natural process. The limb lengthening surgery is done after cutting the bone with a surgical procedure, by opening the fixators placed between them by 1 millimeter every day. Elongation is provided with the bone structure that develops in the distance.
In the operation that is targeted up to 8 cm lengthen, the thigh or shin bone can be treated. If an elongation higher than 10 cm is targeted, an extension should be applied to both bones.
The lengthening surgery is performed only to the bones. In this process, because the muscles and soft tissues are adherents to the bones, and the process is carried out gradually by over time, the muscles and tissues naturally adapt to the new bone. Physiotherapy support can get to manage this process more effectively. In this way, the process becomes extremely efficient, and easy adaptation is provided.
What causes short stature?
Various disorders with genetic origin or the diseases that have been undergone in childhood can cause short stature.
Besides, the main reasons for short stature are as follows:
- Some diseases of genetic origin that affect bones: Achondroplasia, called dwarfism in society, is of genetic origin and is the most common factor causing short stature. It is not possible to treat it with medication and the only solution for short stature that occurs with this reason is the limb lengthening surgery.
- Some childhood diseases that affect growth.
- Nutritional disorders.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Kidney diseases in childhood.
Why is limb lengthening surgery performed?
According to the general judgment, the most common reason for limb lengthening surgery is dwarfism. However, this operation is performed for many different reasons, including those already mentioned.
Some patients can get this treatment for shortness or dimensional difference in the arm. In any case, shortness can be removed and the elongation desired by the patient can be achieved by considering the natural values, through the limb lengthening surgery. Also it is possible for patients who experience very advanced psychological problems due to short stature to undergo this operation for aesthetic purposes.
What are the methods of limb lengthening surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery has been performing with the Ilizarov technique for many years. This technique is carried out with the external fixators attached to the leg. However, with the advancement of new technology, this method has now been replaced by internal fixators placed inside the patient’s body and can be remotely externally.
As a result of the Ilizarov technique, some scars remain on the body due to external application. These scars are directly proportional to the elongation. However, only a small incision scar remains in the extension operations with internal fixators. When evaluated in terms of aesthetic the method performed from the inside is much more advantageous.
How long does the limb lengthening surgery take?
The operation takes between 1,5 and 2 hours. The patient can be discharged after 2-3 days of rest in the hospital if considering the patient’s good condition.
How is the operation performed?
Limb lengthening surgery is performed under general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. The operation begins with cutting the bone, which is aimed to be extended. Then the bones cut in the following stage are fixed with internal and external fixators. In the first place, the cut bones are separated very slowly with the device placed in the space in between. This detachment triggers bone growth. After the device is inserted, the pins are opened at a certain rate every day, 1 mm elongation is provided daily. The body is focused on completing the bone by producing tissue until the bones join.
What to expect after the limb lengthening surgery?
The recovery process varies from person to person. However, children recover twice as fast as adults. While for a child, the targeted elongation can be achieved after 3 months, it may take up to 6 months for an adult to develop at the same rate. According to general thoughts, it takes 6 months for an adult to grow 5 cm in height. Unless there is a previous problem, no pain due to surgery is observed. The success rate in this orthopedic operation is over 95%.