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Limb Lengthening Surgery
Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey
Limb lengthening surgery is a type of surgery used to correct an individual’s legs and arms that are of unequal length or size. These bones are the humerus, the radius and ulna, the femur, the tibia, and the metatarsals. Congenital birth abnormalities, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, and even a bone fracture can all contribute to uneven limb length. On the other hand, some prefer surgery to gain a few more centimeters or inches in height.
Once the bones have reached their full capacity, it is recommended to proceed with the surgery. Adults who have a leg length discrepancy of at least two cm may also undergo the operation.
How does the limb lengthening surgery work in Turkey?
Limb lengthening surgery makes use of the body’s ability to generate new bones. The surrounding skin, nerves, and blood arteries gradually expand and lengthen the limb. The limb bone is cut, and a metallic lengthening device is implanted into the bone by the surgeon. The metal gadget gradually expands the space between the bones. As the bone continues to divert, the body produces new bone cells to fill the newly produced space. The bone lengthens at a rate of around 1 mm every day until the target length is reached. There are two methods to achieve bone distraction:
1. External Fixator
As the name implies, the frame is attached to the bone via screws, cables, and pins that are placed outside the limb. It enables the surgeon to modify the distance from the outside between the two bone segments.
2. Internal Lengthening Nail
An internal lengthening nail is placed inside the bone marrow cavity, as opposed to an external fixator. With the use of a remote-control device, the motorized nail can be operated. This gadget allows the magnet in the nail to be controlled, elongating the nail and gradually lengthening the bone. Even after reaching the appropriate length, the metal-extending device remains in place. It aids in the healing and solidification of the recently created, extended bone. After that, the patient undergoes outpatient surgery to remove the gadget from their body.
Before the Limb Lengthening in Turkey
- Please inform the medical team about the medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements you use during your medical evaluation.
- Stop using aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin E, herbal supplements, or any medications containing these compounds for two weeks before surgery.
- Stop drinking green tea at least 10 days before surgery.
- It is recommended to refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking delays recovery time and can result in scarring.
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
- Arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- If you have any medical condition, please bring all your medical results and reports with you.
- You need to give a break for your work around 3 months to 6 months depending on your recovery.
During the Limb Lengthening in Turkey
The patient’s condition and suitability for the procedure will be assessed by the surgeon. Before surgery, the patient will have a few blood tests. The date of the procedure is set if the surgeon determines that the patient is suitable for it. The lengthening process for limb lengthening surgery takes approximately three months and is done as an inpatient procedure lasting two to three hours. Osteotomy and limb stabilization are the two components of the surgical procedure that are carried out. In the first part, the surgeon will first make a cut into it to extend the bone. In the second stage of the operation, an external fixator or an internal lengthening nail is used to hold the limb in place.
After the Operation
- After the operation, the patient will be required to stay in the hospital for at least three days.
- In order to give extra support in the newly operated area, the surgeon might additionally put a cast on the limb.
- Throughout their stay in the hospital, the patient will receive rehabilitation for mobility.
- A week following the surgery, the limb-lengthening process starts. The latency period is the time interval between the day of the operation and the beginning of the limb-lengthening process.
- To stop further damage, the newly cut bone will develop a callus during the latency period.
Recovery Period of Limb Lengthening Surgery
There are two distinct phases to the recovery process following limb lengthening surgery in Turkey: the distraction phase and the consolidation phase.
1. Distraction Phase
At the beginning of the distraction phase, the bone that was cut with the assistance of a fixation device is pulled apart using a distraction device. This encourages a process known as distraction osteogenesis, which is when pressure is applied to a bone to stimulate new bone development. This growth continues as the distance between the two portions of the bone widens by a quarter of a millimeter each time, four times a day. This step is done as many times as necessary until the limb is the appropriate length. The patient should expect a rise of approximately one inch, or 2.5 centimeters, per month.
The patient will be required to move around with the assistance of a walker or crutch after leg-lengthening surgery. They will also be requested to go to physical therapy two to five times per week.
To monitor the development of bone healing, routine follow-up appointments with a physician will be arranged, typically a week or two apart. Additionally, the physician will assess if the surrounding tissue and nerves are adapting to the lengthening procedure appropriately. Depending on the length of time each patient hopes to achieve, the distraction phase will vary for each patient.
2. Consolidation Phase
The second stage of the recovery is known as the consolidation phase. It is also known as the healing phase, during which the bone hardens and achieves full healing. During the consolidation phase, the patient will be able to get back to their regular activities and place more weight on the affected limb.
The patient will continue participating in physical therapy after surgery to optimize the results of the procedure. The primary goals of physical therapy include restoration of normal joint mobility and range of motion, as well as muscular strength. During the consolidation phase, the device that lengthens the limb will either remain inside the limb or outside the limb.
The duration of the consolidation phase is twice that of the distraction phase. For example, a 60-day distraction phase results in a 120-day consolidation phase.
Why is Turkey the Best Option for Receiving a Limb Lengthening Surgery
Notwithstanding their excellent success rates, Turkey’s hospitals are known for their affordably priced treatment options. In the past few years, medicine in Turkey has reached a world-class level thanks to the strong subsidizing of this industry for the industry and the swift implementation of American standards in clinical practice and doctor training.
The fact that Turkish clinics have earned a variety of international accreditations, such as that granted by the Joint Commission International (JCI), sometimes known as the “Gold Standard of Medicine,” is evidence that these clinics are in line with the high standards of modern medicine.
What are the potential risks associated with Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey?
- Osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone
- Poor bone healing
- Nerve injury
- Injury to adjacent muscles and blood vessels
- Limitation of bone growth
Cost of Limb Lengthening in Turkey
Turkey is a popular destination for limb lengthening procedures because of its top-notch hospitals, skilled surgeons, and very affordable cost when compared to other nations. Limb extension surgery is the best option if you’re hoping to become taller.
In Turkey, Limb Lengthening Surgery success rate is 80%, and this surgery costs roughly half as much as its European counterparts. In addition, the average price of basic goods, as well as the cost of food and other needs, are less expensive in Turkey country than they are in the US and the EU.
Limb lengthening surgery packages in Turkey costs between $20.000 to $55.000. Patient’s needs, surgeon’s experience and chosen healthcare facility are the factors that affect price.