Leg lengthening involves gradually lengthening the
leg over the span of several months. This process involves cutting the bone and
inserting metal screws that extend through the skin. An external metal frame attaches
to the screws and the frame is gradually moved apart, allowing new bone to grow
between the current existing ends of bone.
Also
Known As:
- Leg surgery
- Limb
lengthening
- Gradual leg
lengthening
- Ilizarov
technique of leg lengthening
Conditions
Treated with Leg Lengthening:
Leg lengthening is performed when there is a leg
length difference of five centimeters or more.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
leg lengthening. Immediate limb lengthening is a surgical alternative to the
procedure.
Anesthesia
with Leg Lengthening:
Leg lengthening is performed under general
anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware
during the procedure. Anesthesia is only used when the hardware is installed
and then removed.
Potential
Complications from Leg Lengthening:
Possible risks following leg lengthening include
infection, scarring, bleeding, nerve damage, muscle weakness, bone weakness,
bone infection and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible
for the bone to grow poorly, for the recovery time to be long and for extensive
physical therapy to be needed.
Prognosis
after Leg Lengthening:
The prognosis for a positive end result following leg
lengthening is fair. The success rate is approximately 40 percent. A second
procedure is required to remove the hardware.
Recovery
from Leg Lengthening:
Total recovery from leg lengthening can take several
weeks to several months.
.jpg "Leg Lengthening")
.jpg "Leg Lengthening by OrangeCountySurgeons.org - 2")
