Question 1

What is limb lengthening surgery?

Accepted Answer

Limb lengthening surgery is an orthopedic procedure to help people who have one arm or leg that is shorter than the other. It uses the body's own capacity to regenerate new bone as well as the soft tissues, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves that surround and support it.

Question 2

How does limb lengthening work?

Accepted Answer

Limb lengthening stimulates bone in a patient's leg or arm to grow longer. This is done by surgically cutting the bone and attaching a device that slowly moves the two ends of the bone apart. As space opens up between these two ends, new bone grows to fill in the gap.

Question 3

What is the LON method?

Accepted Answer

The LON (Lengthening Over Nails) method is a highly preferred limb lengthening technique due to its affordability, comfort, and safety. This method involves using both intramedullary nails and external fixators, hence it is also referred to as the combined method.

Question 4

What is the Precice method?

Accepted Answer

The Precice method is an innovative approach to limb lengthening that uses an internal device, eliminating the need for an external fixator.

Question 5

What is the recovery time for the LON method?

Accepted Answer

The limb lengthening journey with the LON method is typically a 9-12 month process from the initial consultation to full recovery.

Question 6

What is the recovery time for the Precice method?

Accepted Answer

The initial recovery in the hospital takes about three days. Full recovery from limb lengthening takes several months. During this time, patients will gradually do more activity and gain more strength.

Question 7

What are the benefits of the LON method?

Accepted Answer

The LON method is a modern technique that utilizes an external fixator, resulting in a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods. It also poses a lower risk of complications and allows patients to walk during the distraction (lengthening) phase.

Question 8

What are the benefits of the Precice method?

Accepted Answer

The Precice method is internally placed, which means no external hardware. This leads to a more comfortable experience for patients. The Precice system allows for precise, controlled lengthening, which can lead to better outcomes.

Question 9

What is the age range for limb-lengthening surgery?

Accepted Answer

Limb-lengthening surgery is more common in ages 18 to 40, near the end of bone growth. However, in rare cases the procedure may be performed in older adults.

Question 10

Can I drive after limb lengthening surgery?

Accepted Answer

Patients can drive after limb lengthening surgery after fulfilling specific requirements - about 1-3 months post-surgery. Depending on the height gained and bone lengthened (femur, tibia or both), patients will be under the influence of narcotics for 1-3 months, making them incapable of driving until then.

Question 11

Will there be scars after the surgery?

Accepted Answer

All limb lengthening surgery methods leave surgical scars on the legs. However, Precice Stryde and Precice 2 leave less scarring, while the LON method leaves slightly more surgical scars.

Question 12

What are the physical activities I can perform after limb lengthening surgery?

Accepted Answer

9-12 months after surgery, patients are expected to be fully recovered and able to perform all physical activities including intense sports without any limitations.

Question 13

What are the pros and cons of limb lengthening surgery?

Accepted Answer

In addition to increasing height, limb lengthening surgery can improve psychological health, body-image, and self-esteem. However, it also comes with costs, risks, and in some cases, complications.

Question 14

Can limb lengthening surgery cure height dysphoria?

Accepted Answer

Height dysphoria is a dissatisfaction with one's height, and many people with short stature seek limb lengthening surgery to cure the distress surrounding their height. In some cases, limb lengthening surgery has shown to cure or help patients with height dysphoria, but the surgery in itself isn't always a magical solution.

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