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What is a Lengthening Surgery?
Lengthening Surgery is a surgery performed to eliminate the short stature problem in humans. The problem of height growth can often arise from health status, nutrition, genetic factors, and problems that occur during adolescence and infancy.
Cutting into the patient’s bone at certain spots all over their body is what makes bone lengthening surgery so common, and it’s usually done on the legs. People seeking to address inequalities in limb length or for purely aesthetic reasons to increase their height often opt for this surgical procedure. The technique entails carefully cracking the bone and then pulling it apart with a device so that new bone may grow in the space.
The procedure starts with a first surgical procedure that involves cutting the bone and attaching a specific device either inside or externally. To gradually widen the gap between the bone segments, this apparatus is fine-tuned every day. The limb is progressively lengthened as new bone grows in the gap caused by the body’s natural healing process.
Because bone develops at a pace of around 1 millimeter each day, lengthening surgery requires patience and time. Several months may pass after the procedure, after which the affected limb may undergo physical therapy to help restore its strength and range of motion. In order to make sure the muscles and joints adjust to the longer length and the new bone heals correctly, the recovery phase is vital.
Although the procedure might result in noticeable height enhancement, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers and problems that may arise. Infection, nerve injury, and incorrect bone healing are all possible complications. To be sure the operation is right for you and to learn about all the aftercare and recovery details, it’s important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon.
How Is Lengthening Surgery Performed?
In order for the procedure to take place, first of all, orthopedic specialists should be present. The operation will be performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, epidural anesthesia technique can be used by the request of the patient. The lengthening surgery to reaches the bone that has been planned for the procedure and the bone called as osteotomy is cut according to the width of the bone.
The leg is fixed and then the special device is placed. The two ends are slowly moved away from each other. In this way, the bone formation of the area where the osteotomy is performed is provided.
Thanks to the surgery performed, the targeted size is achieved. It is the intervention performed to eliminate the diseases caused by a genetic disorder or angular disorder that have occurred in the person with surgery.
The surgical process of bone lengthening involves delicately cracking the bone and then slowly stretching it with a specialized tool. The first procedure involves a controlled incision to the bone, most often in the leg. Subsequently, the bone is fastened using an internal or external lengthening device.
After surgery, the device has to be fine-tuned every day to gradually separate the two bone pieces, usually by about 1 millimeter. In order for the bone to extend, it must gradually separate so that new bone tissue may grow into the space. New bone is stimulated to grow in the area between the separated segments when the body’s natural healing mechanism is activated.
The amount of time needed to achieve the intended effect (lengthening) might range from a few weeks to months. The bone is left to mend and harden after the required length has been reached. In order to keep the injured limb mobile and to build muscle, physical therapy is a crucial component of the healing process.
Why is Lengthening Surgery performed?
Short stature can occur in the person for various reasons. These problems are caused by hormonal or environmental factors. In the short stature that occurs for this, the lengthening surgery of the person can be performed thanks to an orthopedic surgical application.
Because short stature can cause psychological discomfort after a certain period of time. For this, lengthening is performed by surgery. Before the operation, the patient is diagnosed and the examination is performed after evaluating his life history.
To address inequalities in limb length or to achieve a more aesthetic goal of increased height, patients undergo lengthening surgery. People who are born with a low stature or who have had a leg length disparity as a result of an accident or illness may find this operation helpful in restoring their mobility and equilibrium. Patients may walk more easily and prevent difficulties like back discomfort or joint problems by equalizing the length of their limbs.
Aesthetic motivations for gaining height might lead some individuals to undergo lengthening surgery. Anyone whose self-esteem or happiness is impacted by their height has the option to make this decision for themselves. For individuals looking for a long-term solution to their height problem, the procedure provides a viable option.
A longer limb is the result of the technique’s progressive separation of the bones, which allows new bone to grow into the space. People who want this change may find that it improves their function and appearance, but it takes time and recuperation.
What are the methods of Lengthening Surgery?
The lengthening done usually differs from person to person. Here, the surgical methods are decided according to the patient’s condition. Since these methods vary according to themselves, they have advantages and disadvantages.
The factors that cause the short stature of the person are taken into consideration in the surgery to be performed for height extension. It is divided into five according to their methods.It is known as Holyfix Lengthening Technique, Precice Stryde Lengthening Technique, Precice Intramedullary Lengthening Technique, Combined Lengthening Technique and Ilizarov Circular Fixator Lengthening Technique.
Surgical procedures for elongation might make use of either external or internal fixation methods. The external approach involves progressively pulling the bone apart using a frame or apparatus fastened to the outside of the limb using pins and cables. To promote new bone growth, the device is fine-tuned everyday to gradually widen the space between the bone segments.
The internal approach involves surgically implanting a specific rod into the bone. With the use of magnetic or mechanical modifications, this rod gradually lengthens the bone as it grows over time. Since the internal approach does not need any external equipment, it is both less invasive and more comfortable for the patient.
The two approaches are similar in that they both use the body’s innate capacity to repair bone tissue in reaction to slow separation. Considerations such as the patient’s health, desired outcomes, and the surgeon’s advice will dictate the approach used. To guarantee correct healing, each approach demands close observation during the recuperation period.
How long does the Lengthening Surgery take?
Permanent height growth normally differs from person to person. There is no definite information about this subject. For this, in order to get more detailed and precise information, you must contact us and perform your preliminary examination.
As a result of the preliminary examination, you will be informed about the lengthening. The duration of the operation varies from person to person, but to give an average of time; it can vary between 1.5 to 3 hours.
The actual procedure of the lengthening operation usually lasts around two to three hours. The surgeon makes tiny incisions in the bone and then uses an external or internal device to slowly extend the bone throughout the operation. The intricacy of the case and the chosen technique dictate the duration of the operation.
The actual process of lengthening takes a lot longer than the few hours it takes for the operation. One millimeter per day is the pace of progressive stretching of the bone after surgery. This procedure might range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the desired length. It will take more time for the new bone to completely mend and become strong once the target length has been reached.
Restoring the limb’s strength and function after surgery is dependent on the healing process, which includes physical therapy. Individual healing rates determine the time required for full recovery and bone consolidation, which may range from a few months to a year.
How long is the recovery time from Lengthening Surgery?
The lengthening is performed under general anesthesia. The application is performed as epidural anesthesia in adults. Depending on the technical methods used, the duration of the operation may vary.This period varies between 1.5 to 3 hours. There is a 2-7 day stay in the hospital after the surgery.
The time may vary depending on the course of the surgery performed. It is not possible to provide precise information for this.The time for the person to return to their normal life after the operation is in the range of 15 to 20 days. Note that the healing process can vary from patient to patient. We are here to make the best decision for your health.
The length of time it takes to recuperate following a leg lengthening procedure ranges from a few months to a year, given the amount of lengthening done and the individual’s healing pace. It takes time for the body to build up the new bone tissue once it has been extended. It usually takes almost twice as long as the lengthening time for this procedure to complete.
Maintaining mobility and muscular strength throughout rehabilitation requires patients to adhere to an organized physical therapy regimen. Even while you may go back to your regular routine in a few months, it can take up to a year for your bones to fully recover. One of the most important factors in determining how quickly a patient recovers is their level of health and their dedication to rehabilitation.
Consistent check-ins with the surgeon after a bone lengthening procedure verify proper healing and the device’s efficacy. The key to getting the greatest result is being patient and keeping a close eye on everything.
What tests are done before Lengthening Surgery?
As with any surgery, some tests and analyzes are performed for lengthening. If there is no problem with the patient in performing the surgery after the tests and analyzes performed, the appropriate preparations are initiated.
For this, chronic disease analysis, thyroid hormones, chest radiography, stool examination, pH rate in the blood, red blood cell sedimentation rate, urea, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, albumin, analyzes against antibodies, complete blood count, urinalysis are performed.
Based on the tests and analyzes performed, we get information about the health status of the patient. If we are not faced with any problems, procedures for surgery will be initiated.
To make sure the patient is a good candidate for the treatment, they undertake a battery of testing before the lengthening surgery. Blood work, X-rays, and even magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are all part of this imaging battery. The patient’s general health is assessed by blood testing to rule out any illnesses or anemia that might pose complications during surgery.
In order to pinpoint the precise area to be treated, X-rays are taken to evaluate the bone structure. On occasion, a more comprehensive picture of the skeleton and its environs requires a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. The accuracy of the surgical plan is enhanced by these imaging examinations.
The range of motion and strength of the muscles, ligaments, and joints are also assessed during a physical examination. These regions are particularly vulnerable during lengthening surgery, thus it’s crucial that the patient be in good physical condition before the procedure. All of these checks and assessments work together to make sure the procedure goes well and reduce risks.
Who are those who have Lengthening Surgery?
Nowadays, lengthening is performed due to the short stature that occurs due to various reasons. Thanks to the surgery, the person can lengthen his height and the process is performed in the resulting deformity.During 7-10 days after the operation, the person starts to increase in height, 1 mm lengthening is performed on the legs daily.
In other words, at the end of two months, the person’s height becomes 5 cm. Depending on the technique used, variability in elongation can be seen. After the person reaches the desired height, the lengthening process is stopped and a waiting period of 45-90 days is made to strengthen the bones.
Is there an age limit for Lengthening Surgery?
Height increase is a condition that can vary in girls and boys. Because girls can grow in height until the beginning of their menstrual period and boys until the end of puberty. In other words, on average, this process is performed until the age of 18-20.Until the age of 18, it is necessary to wait for the development and fusion of the bones.
If the person does not grow in height after this age range and the elongation has stopped, height extension can be done. The techniques used with the surgery can vary between 5-7 cm.After the person reaches the desired height, the elongation process is stopped and it is waited for a period of 90 days.
Afterwards, analyzes are made according to the patient’s surgical course. In other words, it is recommended that you do not undergo surgery until the age of 18 for height extension.It is possible for us to reach the height range that our patients want by performing our job in the most accurate way. For this, it is strongly recommended that you contact us for more detailed information.
People who want to grow taller for aesthetic purposes or because they have a length disparity between their legs are the usual candidates for this kind of surgery.
As a result of birth defects, injuries, or illnesses, some individuals may be born with a shorter than average leg, which might impact their ability to walk and balance. They are able to walk better and have less pain after having lengthening surgery, which helps to address these abnormalities.
Some people have it done for vanity purposes, particularly if they want to be taller. A desire to fit in or boost one’s self-esteem could motivate this kind of action. People who are thinking about getting this surgery done often get checked out by doctors to make sure they can handle it.
If you are in good health and have the time to devote to physical therapy and a lengthy recovery, you may want to consider a lengthening procedure. The physical demands of surgery should be understood by the patient, and they should not have unrealistic expectations. The dramatic enhancements in function or appearance that might result from the procedure are a major draw for these patients.
Until what age is Lengthening Surgery performed?
For the lengthening to be done, it is necessary to wait until the end of puberty for boys and the beginning of menstruation for girls. Because in this time period, height growth is possible.If there is no extension in length afterwards; lengthening can be done.
It is recommended to wait until the age of 18-20 for the development and strengthening of the bones. It is possible to perform the surgery to increase the height between the ages of 18-50.
There are positive results in this age range. You can contact our hospital after you have decided on surgery to increase height.Then, after the necessary analyzes and diagnoses are made under the body of our hospital, the patient is informed about the procedures to be performed. In this way, we eliminate the fears and concerns of our patients.
Though there is no hard and fast rule about when a person may have their bones surgically lengthened, the procedure is usually reserved for those whose bones have reached full maturity. For the surgery to be safe and successful, it is necessary to seal the bone growth plates, which typically implies that patients should be at least 18 years old. It is possible to disrupt normal bone formation by performing the procedure on younger individuals.
As long as they’re healthy, adults of all ages may have their hair lengthened surgically. On the other hand, slower bone regeneration can mean a lengthier healing period for older people. A patient’s capacity to participate in rehabilitation after surgery and their general health status are critical considerations in making this determination.
In order to make sure the patient’s muscles, joints, and bones can endure the lengthening procedure, a comprehensive medical assessment is done before the operation. As a result, the person is better able to avoid harm and have the greatest possible result.
Length Extension Surgery Prices 2024
It is not possible to find any definite information about the prices of height extensions made specifically for the person. Because the surgery performed may differ from person to person.Therefore, it is not possible to give price information without going through the specialist doctor control and without detailed information.
For more detailed information and to get price information, you can contact us from the contact information. You can contact us to get information about lengthening surgery prices 2024.
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