Limb lengthening is a condition when a person has one arm or leg shorter than other is known as Limb lengthening. The condition affects both adults and kids. Ideally, the lower limbs are quite commonly affected compared to other limbs, known as short leg syndrome.
The Causes of Limb lengthening:
The majority of the limb length discrepancy occurs due to congenital conditions like those they are born with. It mainly includes:
- poorly healed bone fractures
- bone tumors
- Trauma
It also happens due to congenital conditions, including fibular hemimelia, also known as a longitudinal fibular deficiency. Under this condition, one is born with an underdeveloped bone or has a missing bone.
The limb lengthening surgery:
Limb lengthening can be easily achieved using one’s body’s capacity to regenerate the bone besides soft tissues, blood vessels, ligaments, and nerves that support and surround it. The process mainly begins with operation known as osteotomy that a bone is cute by an orthopedic surgeon in order to lengthen. The recovery process comes in two phases, including the distraction phase and the healing stage.
The distraction phase leads to distraction osteogenesis or some new bone that happens at the osteotomy site. The spreading gap leads to continued growth. The body continues to produce fresh tissues until the desired gap length of the bone. To correct all forms of deformities, some other strategies are also available, including the misalignment of the bone that are caused due to trauma. The bone consolidates and heals during the second treatment phase. The patient starts walking without any assistance.
Working of the limb lengthening work:
Limb lengthening mainly and deformity correction process works on the distraction osteogenesis principle. The surgical concept is revolutionary that reversed. The natural ability of the bone regenerates after a structure or surgically cut. Osteogenesis is a process under which the surgery of limb lengthening takes perks.
The best method for limb lengthening:
People tend to use internal lengthening nails whenever possible. It includes:
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Small bones of arm or foot.
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Children featuring open growth plates
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Massive deformities which cannot be acutely straightened.
The limb lengthening recovery time:
The recovery time is around two to three months where people can start walking without any support. During the first phase, the patient can one is mobile and can begin walking with crunches. They also need to do daily exercises to maintain joint strength and mobility. Once the bone grows to the desired length, the recovery process is relatively easy.
Orthosport Dr. Manu Bora Offering Expertise
Dr. Manu bora is recognized for using the most minimalistic options in the preservation of the joints and also in preventive care. In the past, he has helped a plethora of athletes recover from limb lengthening without surgeries.