What is limb lengthenin surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery is a kind of surgery that we perform for eliminating shortness of arms and legs. The limb lengthening procedure is used in patients with unilateral limb shortness due to trauma, congenital causes, or patients willing to increase their height for cosmetic reasons. The outcome is adversely affected by smoking, alcohol consumption, and antidepressant drug use in limb lengthening procedures. Therefore, we investigate such issues in detail during patient evaluation.
Several techniques are used for this operation. The common point in all techniques is to osteotomize (break) the bone that will be lengthened, wait for one week, and then continue the treatment by lengthening it for 1 mm every day. When the lengthening line reaches the planned distance, the system is locked and waited for the bone to harden. The duration of treatment is directly proportional to the amount of limb lengthening. The waiting period is generally twice the period of limb lengthening. It is necessary to observe the patient’s follow-up radiograms at specific intervals to decide on this.
What are the methods used for limb lengthening surgery?
- Lengthening with Ilizarov’s circular external fixator:
In this method, after making the osteotomy of the bone, a circle-shaped system surrounding the extremity 360 degrees is built. 1 mm extension is accomplished a day by turning the marked nut a quarter-turn four times a day.
2.Lengthening by the combined method (LON-lengthening over nail):
In this method, following osteotomy, an intramedullary nail is inserted into the bone to be lengthened, and an monoliteral external fixator is adapted to the bone externally. 1 mm extension is accomplished a day by turning a quarter-turn four times a day. When the lengthening distance is reached, the nail is locked, and the lengthened section is waited to harden.
3. Limb lengthening with a magnetic intramedullary nail: In this method, following osteotomy, a magnetic intramedullary nail is inserted into the bone to be lengthened. No additional external auxiliary system is present in this method. Lengthening is provided by a special magnet placed on the patient’s leg externally. When the desired amount of lengthening is reached, the nail is locked and waited for the bone to harden. There are two kinds of magnetic nails: the first is the first-generation nail, and not to damage the internal gear system, the patient is not allowed to bear weight; with the other, second-generation nail, the patient is permitted to walk and bear weight.