Lengthening legs – The operation to lengthen the legs

The procedure for lengthening legs

The procedure eliminates the leg length difference. After the operation and installation of auxiliary devices, bone can be extended for a longer period of time. Operation caused an increase in the the growth of bones and soft tissues.

Reasons for surgery to lengthen the legs

Lengthening legs may need, if there is a difference in leg length resulting:

• Injuries (eg, resulting in a broken leg);
• Bone infections;
• Tumors;
• Birth defects or other diseases, which affect the bone;
• Low growth (eg, dwarfism).

If the difference is corrected, this can lead to excessive load on the joints. It may be severe pain in the knee, hip, or ankle. This can lead to the development of osteoarthritis and back pain.

Correcting the problem helps improve walking and reduce the risk of other disorders. Depending on the surgical technique, leg may extend a few centimeters.

Possible complications of leg lengthening

You need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Excessive bleeding;
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia;
• Infection (It may be round pins and wires, which are inserted during the procedure);
• Blood clots;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Joint stiffness;
• Correct length of the bone (eg, longer or shorter than expected);
• Muscle contraction;
• Nerve Damage;
• The problems with the formation of new bone.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor.

How is surgery to lengthen the legs?

Preparation for the procedure

Your doctor may carry out or assign the following:

• Medical checkup;
• Measuring the length of the legs;
• Roentgen legs.

Before surgery:

• Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before the surgery may need to stop taking some medicines:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Rrazzhizhayuschie blood drug.

Do not eat or drink after the night before surgery.

Anesthesia

They can be used the following types of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia – blocks any pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation. Administered intravenously in the arm or hand.
• Spinalynaya anesthesia – blocks pain in the lower body, from the chest down, the patient is awake. Was injected in the back.

Procedure lengthening legs

The operation will be conducted in several stages. The first stage is called osteotomy. The doctor makes an incision in the leg and part of the bone cuts. Then the doctor will pick up the device for fixing the legs. This will stabilize the bone during its elongation. Options include fixation:

A device for osteosynthesis attached around the leg. Pins and wires are introduced through the skin and tissue, to reach the bone and extend it. Outside, they are fixed to the frame. This allows you to gradually lengthen the bone.

A device for intraosseous osteosynthesis fit inside leg. It is located on the bone. Some of these devices have a fastening mechanism, which automatically lengthens the bone. In other cases it is used together with an external device.

Lengthening will reach about 1 millimeter (mm) in a day. This stage may begin within a few days or weeks after the osteotomy and last for several months. Depending on the installed device, its position can be adjusted several times during the day. The body will slowly regenerate bone in space, which was created between the bone ends.

In the next phase of your bones heal. You will be able to load longer limb. Periodically perform X-rays. When the healing process is completed, devices will be removed.

Immediately after the procedure lengthening legs

You'll be in for a few hours in the recovery room.

How long will the procedure for lengthening legs?

Osteotomy may take about two hours. The process may take a lengthening 2-3 of the month.

Lengthening legs – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. The doctor will give you pain medicine after surgery. It may feel uncomfortable with the set of clamps.

The average hospital stay

The operation is performed in a hospital. Usually the duration of stay of 1-3 day.

Care after the lengthening of legs

In the hospital

• Staff can provide medication to prevent blood clots;
• Need to breathe deeply and cough regularly, to prevent a buildup of fluid in the lungs;
• We must get out of bed and walk with crutches or a walker;
• Sessions will begin physical therapy the next day after surgery;
• We need to learn, how to set tabs;
• Learn how to take care of the pins and place of their external fixation.

Home Care

Lengthening legs will take place at home. For normal recovery:

• Use crutches or a walker. Do not load leg, while the doctor did not give permission to do so;
• If you have installed the device, that needs to be adjusted, you need to carefully configure it during the day in accordance with the instructions;
• Support for external fixation device clean, especially around the pins and fasteners, to prevent infection;
• Keep the incision site clean and dry;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• Work with a physical therapist. Perform stretching exercises and strengthening the leg muscles;
• Take pain medicine, as indicated by a physician;
• It is necessary to see your doctor regularly and carry out X-rays every 2-3 of the week, to control bone growth;
• Eat a healthy diet. If specified, you need to take calcium supplements.

The whole process of lengthening legs can take up to six months.

Contact your doctor after lengthening legs

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection (eg, fever, chills);
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or swelling around the incision, or set of pins;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, breathlessness, chest pain;
• Severe nausea and vomiting;
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the foot, knees or stupas;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent blood in the urine;
• Problems with locking device.