Who Can Have A Leg Lengthening Surgery? Is it safe? What will you pay for a leg lenthening surgery in the USA?

Leg lengthening is done by utilizing the body’s natural ability to regenerate new bones, as well as the surrounding soft tissues, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. The procedure starts with an osteotomy, where the orthopedic surgeon slices the bone that needs to be extended. The limb then is subsequently stabilized with one of various internal and external frames or devices (typically the upper or lower leg).

Let’s talk about leg lengthening surgery in detail.

Why Is The Internal Lengthening Device Used in Leg Lengthening Surgery?

When the leg dysmetria is mild, height-enhancing shoes are used. However, when the dysmetria is greater than 3 cm, bone lengthening is recommended.

Many patients of very short stature can also undergo an operation for aesthetic reasons. For some patients, being small can be experienced as a real handicap. In these cases, there is always a medical and psychological evaluation. It is very important to achieve a proportionate result. Obviously, the lengthening of the 4 bones is more expensive, but the result is better in aesthetic terms.

How much does leg lengthening surgery cost in the USA, Russia, India, Korea?

In America, the surgery of leg-lengthening costs from $75000 to $85,000. There are only a few US doctors perform the procedure. So there is an increasing number of tourists travel to Moscow to do this cosmetic enhancement. The best part is, it costs around $15,000 in Russia. In India, you may manage the same surgery in $ 3500.

What Is The Internal Lengthening Device, and How Does It Work?

The internal lengthening device is a rod that is inserted into a bone and expands. Inside the rod is a magnetic gear system. A portable remote controller is placed on top of the skin and steadily lengthens the internal device using another magnet.

Many surgeons use the PRECICE, the internal lengthening device. Another widely used device is the Fitbone leg lengthening nail.

What Happens When Leg Lengthening Surgery Is Performed?

• An orthopedic surgeon performs the operation to implant the device. There are various steps to it:
• Your child will be given general anesthesia, which will allow him or her to sleep through the procedure without feeling any pain.
• The lengthening device is placed into the bone by an incision (cut) in the skin.
• Another incision is used to cut the bone. The new bone growth will take place here.
• The lengthening device is inserted into the sliced bone and pushed through.
• The lengthening device is held in place using screws.
• The surgeon checks that the magnetic motor is working properly using the remote controller.
• Stitches are used to seal the incisions.

How Should We Prepare for Leg Lengthening Surgery?

• Making some planning ahead of time will benefit you in being ready when your child returns home from the hospital. Consider the following:
• Your child will require assistance getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and bathing for the first few weeks.
• Plan spending 1–2 days in the hospital after surgery. You’ll learn how to care for your child at home while your child is in the hospital. You’ll also learn how to operate the limb lengthening device’s remote control.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises will require assistance from your child. These are an essential aspect of the healing process. To assist your child, you or another responsible adult will need to be there.
• Make plans for your child to be absent from school for approximately 6 weeks. Consult with your child’s school to see if work can be completed while he or she is at home. A home tutor may be available from the school.
• Plan who will bring your child to the surgery team’s follow-up appointments and physical therapy.

What Happens After Leg Lengthening Surgery?

Post-surgery, your child will require your assistance. For several months, he or she should avoid putting any weight on the newly lengthened limb. Following the directions of the orthopedic care team will help your child get the best possible outcome.

You will need to do the following during the next 6–8 weeks after surgery:

• As instructed by your care team, assist your child in using crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around. During this period, your child should not put any weight on the leg with the internal lengthening device.
• Use the remote controller three times a day, or as suggested by the surgeon. It’s personalized to your child’s needs.
• Assist your child in receiving the nutrition he or she requires to create new bone and recover from surgery. Every day, he or she should consume a well-balanced diet that includes 3–4 servings of dairy as well as lots of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplements may also be recommended by your healthcare professional.
• Take your child to physical therapy, as well as pool treatment if appropriate (physical therapy in a pool).
• Stretching and strengthening activities can help your child.

Where can I find a surgeon specialized in progressive bone lengthening?

Doctor Ginebreda is one of the surgeons authorized to perform progressive bone lengthening using the Fitbone nail.

• Member accredited by the German company Wittenstein for the use of the Fitbone technique.
• Head of the Bone Reconstruction and Lengthening Unit. Dexeus University Hospital (since 2013).
• Director of the Catalan Institute of Traumatology and Sports Medicine (ICATME) since March 2020.
• Board member of the International Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society.

In patients who need to lengthen both legs, Dr. Ginebreda recommends lengthening simultaneously. This avoids scheduling two surgeries and shortens recovery time.

The implants must be removed 2 years after the end of the bone lengthening.

Conclusion:

The time it would take to achieve the desired limb length varies, although it normally takes a few months post-surgery. You will no longer need to have the remote controller after the lengthening is complete. To support the growing bone, the lengthening device remains in place.

Your child will require your help in the months following the surgery in order to achieve the greatest results. Maintain a cheerful attitude that reassures your child that you can achieve this all together. Most families agree that the procedure was well worth the effort after it is completed.

If you or your child is experiencing extreme stress or overwhelm, speak with a psychologist or a social worker on your medical team.

Who Can Have A Leg Lengthening Surgery? Is it safe? What will you pay for a leg lenthening surgery in the USA?

Leg lengthening is done by utilizing the body’s natural ability to regenerate new bones, as well as the surrounding soft tissues, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. The procedure starts with an osteotomy, where the orthopedic surgeon slices the bone that needs to be extended. The limb then is subsequently stabilized with one of various internal and external frames or devices (typically the upper or lower leg).

Let’s talk about leg lengthening surgery in detail.

Why Is The Internal Lengthening Device Used in Leg Lengthening Surgery?

When the leg dysmetria is mild, height-enhancing shoes are used. However, when the dysmetria is greater than 3 cm, bone lengthening is recommended.

Many patients of very short stature can also undergo an operation for aesthetic reasons. For some patients, being small can be experienced as a real handicap. In these cases, there is always a medical and psychological evaluation. It is very important to achieve a proportionate result. Obviously, the lengthening of the 4 bones is more expensive, but the result is better in aesthetic terms.

How much does leg lengthening surgery cost in the USA, Russia, India, Korea?

In America, the surgery of leg-lengthening costs from $75000 to $85,000. There are only a few US doctors perform the procedure. So there is an increasing number of tourists travel to Moscow to do this cosmetic enhancement. The best part is, it costs around $15,000 in Russia. In India, you may manage the same surgery in $ 3500.

What Is The Internal Lengthening Device, and How Does It Work?

The internal lengthening device is a rod that is inserted into a bone and expands. Inside the rod is a magnetic gear system. A portable remote controller is placed on top of the skin and steadily lengthens the internal device using another magnet.

Many surgeons use the PRECICE, the internal lengthening device. Another widely used device is the Fitbone leg lengthening nail.

What Happens When Leg Lengthening Surgery Is Performed?

• An orthopedic surgeon performs the operation to implant the device. There are various steps to it:
• Your child will be given general anesthesia, which will allow him or her to sleep through the procedure without feeling any pain.
• The lengthening device is placed into the bone by an incision (cut) in the skin.
• Another incision is used to cut the bone. The new bone growth will take place here.
• The lengthening device is inserted into the sliced bone and pushed through.
• The lengthening device is held in place using screws.
• The surgeon checks that the magnetic motor is working properly using the remote controller.
• Stitches are used to seal the incisions.

How Should We Prepare for Leg Lengthening Surgery?

• Making some planning ahead of time will benefit you in being ready when your child returns home from the hospital. Consider the following:
• Your child will require assistance getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and bathing for the first few weeks.
• Plan spending 1–2 days in the hospital after surgery. You’ll learn how to care for your child at home while your child is in the hospital. You’ll also learn how to operate the limb lengthening device’s remote control.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises will require assistance from your child. These are an essential aspect of the healing process. To assist your child, you or another responsible adult will need to be there.
• Make plans for your child to be absent from school for approximately 6 weeks. Consult with your child’s school to see if work can be completed while he or she is at home. A home tutor may be available from the school.
• Plan who will bring your child to the surgery team’s follow-up appointments and physical therapy.

What Happens After Leg Lengthening Surgery?

Post-surgery, your child will require your assistance. For several months, he or she should avoid putting any weight on the newly lengthened limb. Following the directions of the orthopedic care team will help your child get the best possible outcome.

You will need to do the following during the next 6–8 weeks after surgery:

• As instructed by your care team, assist your child in using crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around. During this period, your child should not put any weight on the leg with the internal lengthening device.
• Use the remote controller three times a day, or as suggested by the surgeon. It’s personalized to your child’s needs.
• Assist your child in receiving the nutrition he or she requires to create new bone and recover from surgery. Every day, he or she should consume a well-balanced diet that includes 3–4 servings of dairy as well as lots of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplements may also be recommended by your healthcare professional.
• Take your child to physical therapy, as well as pool treatment if appropriate (physical therapy in a pool).
• Stretching and strengthening activities can help your child.

Where can I find a surgeon specialized in progressive bone lengthening?

Doctor Ginebreda is one of the surgeons authorized to perform progressive bone lengthening using the Fitbone nail.

• Member accredited by the German company Wittenstein for the use of the Fitbone technique.
• Head of the Bone Reconstruction and Lengthening Unit. Dexeus University Hospital (since 2013).
• Director of the Catalan Institute of Traumatology and Sports Medicine (ICATME) since March 2020.
• Board member of the International Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society.

In patients who need to lengthen both legs, Dr. Ginebreda recommends lengthening simultaneously. This avoids scheduling two surgeries and shortens recovery time.

The implants must be removed 2 years after the end of the bone lengthening.

Conclusion:

The time it would take to achieve the desired limb length varies, although it normally takes a few months post-surgery. You will no longer need to have the remote controller after the lengthening is complete. To support the growing bone, the lengthening device remains in place.

Your child will require your help in the months following the surgery in order to achieve the greatest results. Maintain a cheerful attitude that reassures your child that you can achieve this all together. Most families agree that the procedure was well worth the effort after it is completed.

If you or your child is experiencing extreme stress or overwhelm, speak with a psychologist or a social worker on your medical team.