“Duration and Outcomes of Limb Lengthening Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview”
The duration of lengthening surgery and the amount of lengthening varies depending on the technique used, the patient’s health status and how he/she responds to the treatment. In general, I can give the following information about the duration and amount of lengthening surgery:
Duration
Surgical Intervention:
Surgical Intervention: Bone cutting (osteotomy) and device placement usually takes 2-4 hours.
Hospital Stay: The duration of hospital stay after surgery is usually 2-7 days, depending on the patient’s recovery rate and the presence or absence of postoperative complications.
Distraction (Lengthening) Phase:
Bone lengthening is performed at a rate of approximately 1 mm per day.
For example, for a 5 cm lengthening, the distraction phase takes approximately 50-75 days.
Consolidation (Bone Hardening) Phase:
After the distraction phase, the newly formed bone hardens and this process usually takes twice the lengthening time.
For a 5 cm lengthening, the consolidation period can be about 3-6 months.
Total Duration
General Duration: All stages of the lengthening procedure (surgery, lengthening and consolidation) are usually completed between 6 months and 1 year. Longer lengthening may require longer periods of time.
Amount of Lengthening
In general A single operation can usually result in a lengthening of 5-8 cm. This amount may vary depending on the patient’s bone structure, health status and the surgeon’s assessment.
Second Surgery: For patients who want more lengthening, a second surgery can be performed. This can provide a total lengthening of up to 10-15 cm.
Factors
Age: Younger patients usually have better results due to the speed of bone healing.
Health Status: Good general health condition accelerates the healing process.
Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are critical to the success of the process.
Lengthening surgery is a serious procedure and must be performed by a specialised orthopaedic surgeon. Patients should work closely with their surgeon before and after surgery and follow all instructions.
