Limb lengthening surgery & complex reconstruction are two terms used to describe surgery in which missing bones can be substituted and misshapen bones can be lengthened or straightened. In recent years, because to advancements in technology and advanced procedures, cosmetic limb lengthening have fulfilled the dreams of many small people who wished to become taller. For this reason, it is also referred to as bone-lengthening surgery.
An individual who has had limb dissimilarity since birth is referred to as a congenital anomaly. When a person's posture needs to be corrected, either bone lengthening or bone shortening becomes critical.
The cost of limb lengthening surgery has increased in recent years, ranging between 1.5 lakhs and 2.5 lakhs. The rate can vary depending on the individual's needs as well as the lengthening and shortening of their limb that is sought. In addition, the price of the procedure may vary based on the hospital and facilities used for it.
The operation has a 95% rate of success and it has proven to be quite beneficial to a large number of people. Additionally, it leaves very little scarring because just a few incisions are necessary in the majority of limb lengthening procedures.
The notion of distraction is used in the process of limb lengthening. The individual will be subjected to a surgery known as osteotomy during this process. The orthopedic surgeon will cut the bone that will be extended or shortened throughout the procedure. Stabilization of the limb (either the upper or lower leg) is accomplished by the use of various internally or externally frames.
There are two parts to the limb lengthening procedure: the distraction phase and the fusion phase. During the distraction process, the bone that has been sliced is gradually pulled apart to allow for the development of new bones. The second phase is characterized by the consolidation and natural healing of the bone, which is aided by medications and occasional activity. It is also possible to have the shin bone lengthened with the help of this operation.
The amount of time it takes to recuperate from the cosmetic limb lengthening procedure varies from individual to individual. The consolidation phase is half the length of time it would take for an adult to complete the process. Patients are required to wear the fixation device for a period of three to six months. The average healing time for a child is 3 months, and the average healing time for an adult is 6. Physical therapy is by far the most crucial component of the rehabilitation process after limb lengthening surgery is performed.
Physical therapy helps to keep joints flexible and muscles strong by preventing them from becoming stiff. A well-balanced, healthy diet is also required in order for calcium supplements to be effective in supporting the healing process. In this type of bone lengthening surgery, small difficulties like pins and stiffening of the joints are common during the healing phase; however, significant complications and danger factors are extremely rare.
Q1. Can I become taller by using medicines or other chemicals?
The major contributing factor in developing a person’s height is leg bones. The leg bones once they reach the full growing stage, stop the growth and infuse together. As such use of any medication or other chemicals will not create any difference.
Q2. Can I walk after a limb lengthening surgery?
After your limb lengthening surgery, you can bear the weight on both of your legs. However, you may need to use crutches or a stick for stability. The recovery process will take a while after which you can then start walking and doing movements without any crutch of a walker.
Q3. Can I start sports after limb lengthening?
Starting sports like running or any other athletic sport will require a period of recovery time. Starting light sports activities can be expected to be done after two years of your surgery while normal walking can be done after 6 months. For more strenuous physical sports activities it may take more than 2-3 years of post-surgery.
Q4. How painful is limb lengthening surgery?
The process of limb lengthening surgery will relatively be pain-free during surgery due to the use of anesthesia and numbing agents. However, the patient will feel pain post surgery and may be prescribed pain killers for a brief period. A little hindrance and movement restriction will still be felt till full recovery.
Q5. Is limb lengthening surgery safe?
Limb lengthening surgery is completely safe and has a very high success rate. The patient can return to their normal routine after their recovery period and move on with their life as usual.