Our experts at PNŚ - Leg lengthening surgeries increasingly popular!

The hosts of the program - Katarzyna Cichopek and Maciej Kurzajewski - noted that the topic of leg lengthening is becoming increasingly popular, but it should be approached seriously and knowledge should be drawn only from reliable sources, such as experienced specialists.

Who qualifies for limb lengthening surgery?

The first question asked in the program concerned the qualification for leg lengthening surgery. Dr. J. M. Deszczynski explained that the spectrum is very wide and there are few contraindications to such a procedure. In the first place, limb lengthening is aimed at people who were born with short stature (e.g., due to skeletal dysplasias). For them, height is important in order to fulfill selected social and professional roles and to improve their quality of life. The second important group is people who, for various reasons, do not feel comfortable with their short height and need a few extra centimeters.

Limb lengthening - Patrycja's story

Patricia was born with hypochondroplasia (a congenital disease that causes a disorder of bone development). The family opted for a modern method of bone lengthening using a magnetic nail with PRECICE technology. It turned out to be an ideal solution for them, as only tiny incisions were left on Patricia's skin, and the process itself turned out to be virtually painless. The girl was able to walk to school normally while her legs lengthened. Patrycja's mother is happy that her daughter has gained hope for a taller stature, better body proportion and, consequently, a chance for a better professional and social future.

What is the process of limb lengthening?

Dr. Tomasz Albrewczynski explained that the surgical technique itself is not new. What is modern, however, is the technology that reduces the extent of surgical interference, and thus the number and size of scars. The process of limb lengthening involves using distraction osteogenesis, which is the process of creating a new section of bone at the site of a fracture. It is important not only to lengthen the bone itself, but also all the tissues around it - nerves, vessels, muscles. PRECICE technology facilitates this process by placing a special implant - a magnetic nail - inside the bone. This allows you to control the rate of lengthening - the appropriate rate is usually 1 mm per day. This results in 8 additional centimeters of growth after about 3 months. This is the maximum number for femurs, while for tibias it is 5 centimeters, making it possible to get 13 centimeters of growth after two stages of lengthening.

Dr. J. Michal Deszczynski stressed that PRECICE technology makes the limb lengthening process unnoticeable to the naked eye, as it takes place inside the bone. There are no wires, rods or pins protruding outside the legs, as was the case with external braces.

What do you need to pay attention to during the leg lengthening process?

A patient who decides to undergo the limb lengthening process should find a clinic that will take care of him comprehensively - both surgically and physiotherapeutically. The orthopedist should plan exactly where to cut the bone and place the implant. The physiotherapist, on the other hand, will choose the right exercises before the surgery to properly prepare the muscles for the lengthening process, and during the process itself, so that the patient regains function as quickly as possible.

The material is available here: https://pytanienasniadanie.tvp.pl/64614219/operacje-wydluzania-nog-coraz-popularniejsze

And for more information on limb lengthening, visit our website: www.wydluzaniekonczyn.pl