Limb Lengthening Surgery: Everything You Need To Know
Limb lengthening surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people seek to correct birth defects or improve their physical appearance. But what exactly is limb lengthening surgery? This blog post will explain what it is, how it is done, what the risks and benefits are, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery is a surgical procedure that involves cutting a bone in the leg and using a special device to slowly and gradually increase the length of the limb. This process is known as distraction osteogenesis. It is a highly specialized form of surgery that is performed by a qualified orthopedic surgeon. Limb lengthening surgery can be done on the following by surgeons:
- Upper arm bone, or humerus.
- (Forearm bones) Radius and ulna.
- The femur, or thigh bone.
- Shin’s bone/ Tibia.
Surgery to extend the limbs is used to correct variations in arm or leg length. It can also be used to treat some diseases that result in shorter or irregularly growing bones. In the following situations, your doctor could advise limb lengthening surgery:
- Growth plate fractures
- Osteomyelitis
- Skeletal dysplasia
- Hemihypertrophy
- Congenital femoral deficiency
- Bone tumor on a growth plate that is benign
- Cerebral palsy.
Best Limb Lengthening Hospitals in India
India is a country that has been known all around the world that providing the best treatment for all types of disease-related or trauma-related treatments and is on par with the top countries. Here are some of the names of the best Orthopedic hospitals in India that do limb-lengthening surgery:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- Fortis Hospital Gurgaon
- Fortis Hospital Noida
- Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- Max Hospital Saket, New Delhi
- Jaypee Hospital, Noida
Best Limb Lengthening Surgeon in India
Following are the names of the best orthopedic surgeons in India that provide limb-lengthening surgery in India:
- Dr. Sai Krishna B Naidu
- Dr. Kaushal Kant Mishra
- Dr. Kuldeep Tamboli
- Dr. I. P. S. Oberoi
- Dr. Hemant K. Kalyan
Procedure For Limb Lengthening Surgery
Before making a decision about whether to have limb lengthening surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor and consider the risks and benefits. You should also be sure to get a second opinion from a qualified orthopedic surgeon and ensure that you understand all of the details of the procedure. Also, if your looking for a friendly price budget limb lengthening surgery cost in India is more affordable when compared with other top nations in the world.
Before Surgery
You will be escorted to a pre-op room on the day of your leg lengthening procedure, where you will be asked to change into a gown. The surgical team will ask you about your medical history and do a quick physical examination. An IV will be inserted into your arm or hand by a nurse to supply fluids and drugs as you lay down on a hospital bed. The surgical team will move you into and out of the operation room using the hospital bed. A general anesthetic, which will put you to sleep during the procedure, or an epidural anesthetic, which numbs you from the waist down, can be used to perform the osteotomy, or cutting of the bone, and the insertion of an external fixator or internal lengthening nail. Even if you are awake during surgery thanks to epidural anesthesia, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort. In order to make the incisions on your leg, the surgical team will first clean the skin surrounding the affected region.
During Surgery
The leg bone that has to be extended is cut during the surgery, which is the initial stage of the procedure. Your femur, which is the upper leg bone, or tibia, which is the lower leg bone, may be cut, depending on where the length difference arises. The lengthening device will then be placed using a bone drill and metal pins, plates, screws, and wires after your leg has been stabilized using metal exterior, internal, or a mix of external and internal fixation devices.
After Surgery
Following your procedure, you’ll spend a while in the recovery area before being sent to a hospital room. After surgery, the majority of patients stay in the hospital for two to three days. Sometimes a three- to four-week cast is applied to the leg.
On the day following surgery, you will get inpatient rehabilitation. A physical therapist will help you with activities like getting in and out of bed, moving from a chair to the toilet, using a walker or a cane to walk, and climbing stairs. During this period, you won’t be allowed to put any weight on the leg that had surgery. For six to eight weeks, crutches are utilized.
Recovery Time
Recovery from a limb-lengthening procedure might be difficult. The distraction of the freshly sliced bone, healing, and growth of the new bone all take place concurrently over a period of a few weeks. The amount of limb lengthening determines how long it takes for the bone to recover; 1 cm of lengthening requires roughly 6 weeks to heal. To have the lengthening device modified, the patient must visit the hospital. They will also need to maintain the exterior pins or screws clean to prevent infection. In order to recuperate more quickly from surgery, it is essential for the patient to adhere to all postoperative instructions. Additional recommendations for a quick recovery include:
- Keep a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet.
- Have enough sleep.
- Maintain your fluid intake.
- Keep a consistent routine for physical therapy.
- Keep an active lifestyle to prevent blood clot development.
- Watch the treated area for any changes in sensation or colour.
- Whether you’re laying down, sitting down, or standing up, try not to stay in one place for too long.
Benefits of Limb Lengthening Surgery
The benefits of limb lengthening surgery include improved physical appearance, improved self-esteem, improved mobility, and improved function of the affected limb. It can also help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with leg length discrepancy. Those who feel as though their stature is negatively affecting them socially can have their limbs extended, which can help them feel more accepted and comfortable in their own skin.
Another major benefit of limb lengthening surgery is the improved physical abilities that it provides. People who have undergone this procedure have reported feeling more agile and capable of participating in activities that they had previously been unable to do. This can be especially beneficial for athletes, who may have been held back by their shorter stature.
In addition to the physical benefits, limb lengthening surgery can also provide relief from chronic pain. People who have undergone this procedure have reported that their joints and bones no longer feel as strained and that their bodies are better able to handle the activities they enjoy. This can be especially beneficial for those who have been dealing with chronic pain due to their shorter legs.
Finally, limb lengthening surgery can also help to improve posture. People who have had their legs extended often find that their posture is improved, which can help to alleviate back pain in the long run. From improved physical capabilities to increased confidence, this procedure can be a great way to improve one’s life. It is important to speak with a medical professional before undergoing any surgery, however, to make sure that it is the right choice for you.
Risk of Limb Lengthening Surgery
Risk is an important consideration when it comes to limb-lengthening surgery. While limb lengthening can provide a variety of benefits, including increased height, improved posture, and a stronger body structure, it comes with a number of risks that should not be overlooked.
- One of the most serious risks of limb lengthening surgery is infection. The surgical procedure involves the insertion of metal plates and screws between the bones in the legs or arms and, as a result, opens the patient up to the possibility of infection. If not treated quickly and properly, an infection can spread throughout the body and even cause sepsis.
- Another risk of limb lengthening surgery is nerve damage. During the procedure, nerves can be severed or stretched, which can lead to sensations of numbness, tingling, or pain. In some cases, the damage can even be permanent.
- If the patient experiences complications during the surgery, such as an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, the risk of further complications increases. In addition, if the patient fails to follow the recovery program, the risk of relapse increases.
- It’s important to be aware that limb lengthening surgery is an expensive procedure. While insurance may cover some of the costs, many patients have to pay out of pocket for the procedure.
Overall, while limb lengthening surgery can provide a number of benefits, it also carries a number of risks that should not be overlooked. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a qualified medical professional and carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding to undergo the procedure.
Also, keep in mind that limb lengthening surgery is not right for everyone, but it can be a great option for people who suffer from leg length discrepancies. If you are considering this procedure, make sure to talk to your doctor to ensure that it is the right choice for you. Also, if you want to have limb lengthening surgery in India you can find some of the best orthopedic surgeons in India who are well-known in their fields.
